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Lazarus Project

An expanded obituary project of MennObits.  Includes additional information of obituaries appearing in
The Mennonite and other newspapers.  
Source of individual obituaries given with each record.  Project managed by Thelma Martin.

1987  H


   Hoover, George Edward;  


Hoover, George Edward
July 26, 1906 --- March 16, 1987

George E. Hoover, a son given by the Lord to William and Emma (Shaum) Hoover, was born at Goshen, Indiana on July 26, 1906, and died in his home at Greencroft, Dogwood Court, Goshen, IN early Monday morning, March 16, 1987 following a period of declining strength and health.  The span of his earthly pilgrimage was 80 years, 7 months and 18 days.  In the days prior to his passing he had expressed to his family members and friends his desire to have his suffering be over and to depart and be with the Lord.  

Today we rejoice in the knowledge that he has passed the barrier of time as we know it and is forever at home with the Savior he faithfully served for nearly 65 years.
On New Year's Day of 1935 he was married to Kathryn Schmucker who survives.   Together, for more than 52 years, they experienced the changing scenes of life in the joyous and fruitful companionship, which the Lord had entrusted to them.

Surviving along with his wife Kathryn are seven daughters: Gladys - Mrs. Arthur Hoover of Sheldon, Wisconsin, Thelma - Mrs. Rufus Martin of Osceola, Ruth - Mrs. Frank Richards, and Eva - Mrs. Basil Borntrager, and Shirley Reicheit, all of Goshen, Marie - Mrs. Ron Troyer, and Lois - Mrs. Marty Martin, both of Elkhart, and four sons, Melvin of Goshen, Floyd of Elkhart, John of Salt Lake City, Utah, and William of Nappanee, and a number of foster children.  He is also remembered and loved by 35 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, a sister, Martha Good of Orrville, Ohio, and a brother, Paul of Goshen.  Preceding him in death were three brothers, Warren, Lewis and Maynard.
At the age of sixteen George made the decision upon which all other of his decisions came to hinge. He acknowledged his need for Jesus Christ and confessed the Lord as his Savior through water baptism in the Wisfer Mennonite Church.  Since 1957 he with Kathryn have been members of this Yellow Creek Mennonite congregation.  It was my privilege and the joy of this congregation to know George as a man of deep faith and conviction. The Church was the focus of his life and in the bosom of the Church he served faithfully and displayed the Christian graces which today so richly bless our memories.  George was our brother in Christ and I speak for this congregation in giving thanks for the encouragement and fellowship we came to know in walking "The Way" with him.  His family takes this occasion to thank their many friends for the kindnesses which have been given during this time of sorrow and during the course of the years.  Christian friends, brothers and sisters, are indeed the most meaningful gifts of life.
"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them" (Revelation 14:13).
BD - 3/17/87
(Bob Detweiler)
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A Tribute from The Family
In Memory of George Edward Hoover

In this past week our family has been drawn together in a new way. The Pop and Grandpa who had cared for us so many years now needed our special care.  As we worked and prayed and waited together through the long hours we remembered and discovered anew how he affected our lives.

We would like to give this tribute in recognition of what he means to us. He didn't like long eulogies of praise and would be the first to admit to human weakness. We, too, know he wasn't perfect but he was special to us and we wanted to let you know a little of the man you may not have known.

To his children he was called "Pop" for many years.  As the grandchildren came along this changed to “Grandpa”. He enjoyed being Grandpa and was excited about each new arrival though he did say he thought they made Grandpas younger than they used to.
There is no doubt about it. Grandpa was frugal. We all joked about how he always knew where to find the best bargains. During his last days he was telling us where we could find broccoli and cheese at the best prices. (Not at the same place, of course!)What many people may not have known was his generosity, as he frequently gave monetary gifts to family members. What we didn't know and only found out in roundabout 'ways, was how often he helped others in need. He wanted to share the bounty he felt God had given to him.

To us Grandpa was special because he made us feel special. In the 52 years that he and Grandma were together their family grew to over a hundred people.  Each one was known by name, even to the youngest baby up to the last day of his life.

Many times at Christmas he gave each one a gift and although the gifts might be similar he would spend hours picking out a Bible verse or other quote especially suitable for that individual person.

Grandpa enjoyed working with wood. He took delight in taking something that looked useless to everybody else and making something beautiful out of it, such as a lamp from an overgrown woody cauliflower stalk. Then he would ask, "Do you know what this is made of?"

We all have things made with his careful craftsmanship. Lamps & candleholders were given as birthday and graduation gifts.   Many of the great-grandchildren have doll cradles with little blankets made by Grandma.

To all of us he was Mr. Fix-it.

Your clock doesn't work? Take it to Grandpa.

You need some frames or a wooden board? Ask Grandpa.

Your pots and pans have lost their handles? Let Grandpa put on a wooden one.    0, yes, it's true. You would probably get a long explanation of how your item got fixed but it was a small price to pay.

When he did something it was done right and he taught us to do the same. (At least he sure tried!) Grandpa wanted us to get satisfaction from and take pride in a job well done.

His patience in looking for lost items is a legend among us, and he usually found them after the rest of us had long given up.

Grandpa's humor was contagious. His hearty laugh was often heard and still echoes in the family, especially through his sons.

Grandpa enjoyed traveling and visited many people. He knew no strangers. Guests were always welcome at his house. He had a good memory and could tell stories of things that happened yesterday or 75 years ago. (Be sure you had some time to listen! These stories could get a little long and involved!)

Grandpa took great pride in his family. To everyone around he would make sure they knew that this was HIS child or that was HIS grandchild.  To those who lived far away he sent personal letters to let them know what was going on in the family.

There was a certain chemistry between Grandma and Grandpa which sometimes made the sparks fly.  But more often it was like a magnet with the two united as one working toward a common goal.

Grandpa was always there for us. We find it hard to realize that he is gone because we felt that Grandpa and Grandma would always be there.

Grandpa could go to sleep very easily, even in the dentist's chair. Monday morning he went to sleep the same way.

Grandpa's greatest concern was the spiritual welfare of his family, which he voiced again on his last day.

Yes, we grieve, but with a joyous hope. We ask that you, too, rejoice with us as we celebrate the culmination and crowning achievement of his life - Grandpa's Homegoing.

Thelma Hoover Martin
March 18, 1987

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