Bill Hoover

William Cecil "Bill" Hoover, 85, died Monday, May 28, 2012, at his home in Jackson.

He was born Nov. 3, 1926, in Stuttgart, Ark., to Harley Arthur and Zelma Lee Thomas Hoover. He and Jo Ruth Brewer were married in 1950. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include a brother, Don Taylor Hoover (Charlie Lou) of San Antonio; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Brewer Brashears (Don) of Benton, Ark.; two nephews, Don T. Hoover Jr. (Martha) of Houston, Clay Brashears (Sharon) of Benton; three nieces, Judy Hoover (Richard) of San Antonio, Julie Brashears Harkrider (Cary) of Tulsa, Okla., Amy Brashears Vrana (Stanley) of Benton.

Bill received his early education in the Stuttgart area where he also developed a love for music and athletics. His music experience there included playing the baritone in grades seven through 12, culminating with his serving as student band director his senior year. On the football field he played left end for Stuttgart High School and made the all-state team his senior year.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Bill returned to Arkansas to pursue a degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas. There he met the love of his life, Jo Ruth Brewer, and married her shortly after receiving his bachelor's degree.

He served schools for the next 20 years as teacher, principal and superintendent. He earned a master's degree in 1954 at the University of Arkansas.

Jo Ruth and Bill moved to Missouri in the early 1970s where they continued their teaching careers. Bill had earned his doctor of education degree during this time and ultimately became a full professor at Southeast Missouri State University, from where he retired. He was an active member of Abbey Road Christian Church many years.

A special mention needs to be made of his treasured companion, Linda Sanders. She was his best friend and is appreciated very much by his family. She added a quality of life for him that cannot be easily measured.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Rodger Kiepe officiating. Interment will be at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 208 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60604.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.