William Cecil "Bill" Hoover

William Cecil "Bill" Hoover died Monday, May 28, 2012 at his home in Jackson, Missouri. He was born November 3, 1926, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, to Harley Arthur and Zelma Lee Thomas Hoover. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jo Ruth Brewer Hoover, whom he married in 1950. He is survived by his brother, Don Taylor Hoover (Charlie Lou) of San Antonio, Texas; sister-in-law, Dorothy Brewer Brashears (Don) of Benton, Arkansas; nephews, Don T. Hoover Jr. (Martha) of Houston, Texas; Clay Brashears (Sharon), of Benton, Arkansas; nieces, Judy Hoover (Richard) of San Antonio, Texas; Julie Brashears Harkrider (Cary) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Amy Brashears Vrana (Stanley) of Benton, Arkansas. 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 7th through the 12th grades, 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. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II he 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 bachelors degree.  He served schools for the next 20 years as teacher, principal and superintendent, and earned his Masters Degree in 1954 at the University of Arkansas. Jo Ruth and Bill moved to Missouri in the early 1970's 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 which he retired. He was active an active member of the Abbey Road Christian Church for 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 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2012, at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. The funeral will be at 10 a.m., Friday, June 1, 2012 at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home with Reverend Rodger Kiepe officiating. Interment will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 208 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60604. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.