John W. Hoover

John W. Hoover, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday April 29, 2016 at the Ebeid Hospice Care Center surrounded by his family. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 8, 1928 to Walter and Opal Hoover. John’s father passed away when he was 3 years old and was raised by his mother in what is now the Old West End. He attended Scott High School where he graduated in 1946. During his time at Scott, he excelled at football and track. He is most remembered for his accomplishments in track as a hurdler. During his high school career he won numerous All City and All District Honors. In his senior year, he qualified for the State Championships in both the 120 yard high hurdles and the 220 yard low hurdles. His son, John Hoover Jr said, “It was during the finals in the 120 high hurdles of the State Track Meet at Ohio Stadium that my dad broke the state record …. unfortunately, my Dad would go on to say, so did the other three hurdlers who finished in front of him!” After high school, he enrolled in the college of Business Administration at Toledo University. At that time, many of his classmates were returning WWII veterans and he was absorbed by many of the conversations and experiences of these veterans, especially those that had been in battle and part of invasions. “ My dad said it was almost like attending Military School and felt he was taught the ways of life in the military”, according to his son. Soon he would have the opportunity to serve his country in the Korean War. He became a Sergeant in the United States Army and in charge of the 987th Field Artillery Battalion . He was cited for meritorious services in connection with military operation against the enemy, and received the Bronze Star where he and his battalion of 27 men engaged with over a thousand Chinese and North Korean soldiers until weather permitted further support. “My dad was proud to say that he didn’t lose a man in his battalion during the 3 day event”, his son John says. My Dad was so proud of his country and instilled showing respect for the United States and every serviceman he encountered. A recent highlight for John was when he had the opportunity to take part in the Honor Flight, traveling to Washington, DC to visit the war memorials dedicated to honor those who have served. There he spent quite a bit of time at the Korean War memorial. Upon returning from the war, he married the love of his life, Gloria Walker, to whom he was married for 62 years. John would go on to become a well-known builder and real estate developer. He was recognized as Weyerhauser’s National Builder of the Year in the late 1960’s for his development and homes he built in Sylvania Township’s Ginger Hill Farms. During this time, he became very active in raising his three children. He was active in the Sylvania Township Recreational Association coaching numerous little league baseball teams during the sixties and seventies. His sons were also very active in youth hockey and the only rink in town at the time was the Sports Arena where available ice time was usually 2am -6am. These experiences at the rink sparked a desire to create another ice facility in the area. John was the architect, builder, and one of the original owners in Tam-O-Shanter in Sylvania, Ohio . “ My Dad was very proud of this project as it served and continues to serve the community in so many ways today”, said his son Chris. John and Gloria decided to retire in 1985. After vacationing several times along the outerbanks of North Carolina, they made a decision to settle down and “retire” at Ocean Isle Beach, NC. The desire to continue to stay active was still in their hearts and the decision was made that they would open The IGLOO, a frozen yogurt stand in Calabash, NC. They took great care and pride in the product they served and just the two of them ran the business daily from March until November for 15 years. My dad loved Big Bands , Frank Sinatra, and Jazz, according to his daughter Cyndy Weber. This music became part of the environment at the IGLOO and could be heard playing on the outdoor speakers and it wasn’t uncommon to find patrons dancing as they waited in line for their desserts. The IGLOO became a well know tourist stop for vacationers in the area and many would keep coming back year after year as part of their vacation ritual. “My Dad loved talking with his customers and learning were they were from”, said his son John. During their time on Ocean Isle, it wasn’t uncommon for them to encounter several hurricanes each year, needless to say, it was always an experience for two individuals living on the beach! Both John and his wife Gloria, came back to Sylvania 13 years ago to be closer to family. John and Gloria enjoyed spending time with their family and John was very proud of all his grandchildren and great grandchild. John is survived by his wife Gloria (Walker) Hoover; daughter Cyndy (Ford) Weber; sons, John (Kelly) Hoover, and Chris (Felicia) Hoover; sister, Nancy Weber; grandchildren, Jennifer and Sarah Weber, John (Steph) Hoover, Stephanie (Tim) Kelley, Caroline, Christopher, Jacqueline, and Zach Hoover; triplets, Emily, Faith, and Hannah Hoover ; and great-grandchild, Patrick Hoover, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Taylor. Family and friends may visit Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623 on Monday, May 2, 2016 from 2-5PM with a service to follow at 5PM. Donations may be made to the national MS Society , Greater Carolinas Chapter,3101 Industrial Dr.,Ste.210, Raleigh, NC 27609 (Attn: Team Hoover).