Donald C. “Don” Hoover, 73, Hays, died Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Ellis Good Samaritan Society.
He was born February 9, 1951 in Hays, the son of Herbert C. “Herb” and Wilma J. (Rupp) Hoover. Don graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1969, and in 1971 he earned an Associate Degree in diesel mechanics from Northwest Kansas Vo-Tech in Goodland. He was employed by Rupp’s Inc., Central Prairie Implement, Och’s Inc., and Carrico Implement. On December 30, 1969 he was united in marriage to Jolene Smith in Hays, and they celebrated nearly 55 years of marriage. His memberships included the Schoenchen St. Anthony Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166 and the Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever Chapter 424 where he enjoyed helping with the annual banquets and youth hunts. Don was a Kansas City Chiefs fan and he enjoyed traveling, watching MASH, motorcycle rides on his Honda Gold Wing, and hunting dove, pheasant, and occasionally quail. He was always happy to gather with his buddies and prepared to tell many good jokes.
Survivors include his wife Jolene of Hays, three daughters, Alisa Caruthers, of Hays, Traci Hoover of Topeka, and Brenna Sherlock and husband Bryon of Hays, a brother, Fred Hoover of Hays, five sisters, Mary Metz and husband Bill of Berryton, Carol Neihardt and husband Nelson of Topeka, Connie Sheldon of Hays, Sue Hoover of Hays, and Janet Kuhn and husband Ed of Walker, and four grandchildren, Alex Caruthers of Hays, Taylor Daugherty of Topeka, Mckenzi Hoover and fiancé Trent Nickleson of Pratt, and Kooper Sherlock of Hays.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 am on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. All are invited to come dressed in your John Deere best. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 10:30 am until service time of Friday, all at the funeral home. A third degree Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Hays City Sportsmen’s Club or to the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Fund. Condolences and memories of Don may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com.