Dr. Richard G. Hoover

Dr. Richard G. Hoover, age 76, of Buckhannon, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Tuesday, October 27, 2009. He was born December 25, 1932 in Lewis County, a son of the late George Erve and Brenice Wimer Hoover. He was united in marriage on December 30, 1955, to Carolyn Daugherty Hoover, who survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Wiona and husband, Richard Anderson, of Marietta, OH, and Ramonda and husband, John Lipscomb, of Waynesburg, PA; daughter-in-law, Sherri Hoover of Buckhannon; eight grandchildren, Amanda Adams Slaven, Ryan Anderson, Kacy Anderson, Meagan Hoover, Richard G. “Trey” Hoover, III, Haley Lipscomb, Brenna Lipscomb and Abigayle Lipscomb; two great grandsons; Gavin and Ryder Slaven; one brother, Robert D. Hoover of New Milford and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Richard G. “Rick” Hoover, II, one grandson, Richard Byron Adams, one brother, Raymond Hale Hoover, and infant brother, George William Hoover. Dr. Hoover was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Weston, where he held several leadership positions and was a member of the United Methodist Men. He grew up attending the Straight Fork United Methodist Church. In his early life he was a lay minister.He graduated from Walkersville High School in 1950, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Glennville State College in 1954. He completed his master’s degree from WVU and later obtained his doctorate degree in 1979.He began his teaching career in Nicholas County, where he taught at Dixie Grade School and continued to teach until becoming principal at New Hope, Finwick Mountain, and Milltown Schools. He worked for two years for the WV Dept. of Education. In 1973, he went to Lewis County as principal of Weston Central Elementary School and in 1977, became the assistant superintendent in Lewis County. In 1985, he came to Upshur County as assistant superintendent, where he later became superintendent and retired in 1999. In addition, he taught for various colleges, including Fairmont State, Glenville State, University of Charleston, WVU and WVWC as adjunct professor. He retired with 50.385 years of service in education. He was a member of the Shriners of North America, the Grand Lodge of WV AF & AM, the Franklin Lodge #7 Buckhannon, and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA 32nd degree masonry. He was a member of Commandery #022 Knights Templar, Mt. Hope WV; and Order of the Eastern Star, Buckhannon Chapter # 18, where he was worthy patron. He was a member of the International Association Legions of Honor Osiris, the Upshur County Shuttle Patrol, and the Lewis and Upshur County Shrine Clubs. He was also a member of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry of WV. He was awarded treasurer emeritus 2009 for his 18 years as treasurer. His lifetime dedication to the Masonic Lodge allowed him to belong to all three temples in WV. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Buckhannon, Buckhannon Moose Lodge # 598, Weston Lions Club, and the Alumni Association of Glenville State College and WVU. He was a member of the WV Pioneer Travelers #200, the Upshur County Farm Bureau, the Upshur County Fair Board, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Retired Teachers’ Association. He served on the Fred Eberle Administrative Board, was a member of the Buckhannon Chamber of Commerce, and the Straight Fork CEO’s. He was the King of Ireland’s Irish Spring Festival.In both his professional and personal life, he received awards and recognitions too numerous to mention. He loved his boyhood farm, raising cattle and bees, and honking his horn at his neighbors as he passed to and from. Time never lessened his belief in Santa Claus, as he enjoyed many years playing “Santa’s helper.” He was a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather, and a great friend; he will be missed by all who knew him. Friends will be received at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel on Friday from 6-8 PM and on Saturday from 12 Noon to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jonathan Nettles, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Shreve and Rev. Dan Lowther officiating. Interment will follow in the Wimer Cemetery. The Franklin Lodge #7 AF & AM will conduct Masonic services at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital For Children at 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.

Dr. Richard G. Hoover

December 25, 1932 - October 27, 2009