Charles R. Hoover

Charles R. "Charlie" Hoover was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on January 21, 1922 to Ralph and Nellie Hoover. The family moved to Little Rock when he was two years of age. He attended Little Rock public schools and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1939. Charlie was known for his knowledge of Little Rock history and, although failing health limited some of his activities, he remained a great "teller of tales" until his death at the age of 91 on September 22, 2013. After graduation, Charlie began working at the Jacksonville Ordinance Plant until he was drafted into the Air Force in August of 1942. His first assignment was to Radio School in Chicago, Illinois for four months and then was sent to Ft. George Wright in Spokane, Washington and assigned to the 420 Signal Aviation Company attached to the Army Air Corps. He was later transferred to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he was assigned to the 2nd Air Force Headquarters with the responsibility for all of its communications. In 1944, his Company was sent to the 15th Air Force Service Command to operate all communications for the 15th Air Force in Bari, Italy. Their primary mission was to intercept enemy messages to learn of enemy troop movements. S/Sgt. Hoover was in charge of setting up the first Direction Finding Station to assist lost bombers in finding their home bases. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters. He returned to the United States in 1945 and home to Little Rock. Charlie immediately found a job with his uncle, which was followed by a job selling Health and Life Insurance. He then was hired by Arkansas Electric. After two years, Charlie left for a position with Tyler Pipe Company of Tyler, Texas. He traveled Oklahoma, South Missouri and Arkansas selling soil pipe, water main fittings and special casings until his retirement in 1987. Charlie was an avid Razorback fan and supporter for over 50 years; he supported them with his game attendance as well as annual scholarship contributions. Also, he loved to hunt ducks, fish and play golf. For many years, he was a well-known player at Pleasant Valley Country Club where he was a member from 1964 until his death. Charlie was married to Billie Jean Brewer on August 2, 1943 until her death in 1995. On March 14, 1997, Charlie and Janet Losby were married. Survivors include his wife, Janet Losby Hoover of Little Rock; a very special niece, Barbre Jackson (Trent) of Hot Springs, Arkansas; five step-children, Julia Losby (Doug Peterson) of Canton, Georgia, Susan Barnes (Kent) of Portland, Oregon, Edward Losby of Port Angeles, Washington, Bill Losby (Anne) of St. Paul, Minnesota and Jane Robertson (Ken) of Portland, Oregon; ten step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson. A service to celebrate Charlie's life will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 4 p.m. at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, officiated by Rev. Siegfried Johnson. Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Charlie's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.