Donald Gene Hoover

January 7, 1931 - March 19, 2016

Donald Gene Hoover, 85, of Dunlap, formerly of Glen Burnie, MD, died at his home Saturday, March 19, 2016 after a short illness. Mr. Hoover was a member of Morganville church of Christ, Whitwell, TN. He was born and raised in Ann Arundel County, Maryland, a veteran of the United States Army and was a retired heavy equipment operator. He was fondly known as "Track-turner" by family and friends, a CB handle he earned early on because of his profession. In 1991 he moved to his wife's hometown of Dunlap. Having previously been Maryland's youngest Lieutenant Volunteer Firefighter at age 19, he was instrumental in helping begin Southend Volunteer Fire Dept. for the Daus community. One of his many notable accomplishments there was obtaining full turn-out gear for the whole department from his Maryland contacts, and was proud to serve as Chief for one term. Mr. Hoover was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Mable Smith Hoover, brothers, Theodore, Jr., Louis, Vernon and William, sister, Mable Hoover Phebus. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Viva Haynes Hoover, four sons, Donald Ray (Deana) Hoover, Dunlap, Ronald (Kathy) Hoover, Falling Waters, West Virginia, Steven (Ann) Hoover, Elkridge, MD, Stuart Hoover, Dunlap, one daughter, Alison (Gary) Smith, Dunlap, grandchildren; Karin Gray, Tessa White, Kristen Benton, Will (Hayley) Lockhart, Rachel (Elizha) Burdette, Brittany Smith and Gary Wayne Smith, several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. CDT Tuesday in Ewton Funeral Home Chapel with minister Larry Kirby officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Cookston Cemetery. Visitation; 4 - 8 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. Special thanks to NHC Dunlap, East TN Hospice and Therapy of Whitwell, and to all who called, sent cards, visited and said prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Southend Fire Dept.