Gerry Hoover

Funeral services for Gerry Hoover, 87, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, December 20, 2021, at Alazan Congregational Methodist Church with Bro. Robbyn Hunt and Bro. Jerry Newton. Interment will follow at Alazan Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Monday, December 20, 2021, at the church. 

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Friend, Servant, Leader

Norvelle Gerry Hoover was born in Lubbock, Texas on September 16, 1934, the only child of Norvelle Bennett and Eva Massey Hoover.

Gerry spent his early years living in Los Angeles, California and Phoenix, Arizona.  In 1948 he was very excited to be moving home to Texas.  He and his parents lived in Coahoma, a few miles east of Big Spring.  He had both sets of Grandparents and many other extended family members in the area.

Gerry graduated from Coahoma High School in 1953 where he was a gifted athlete; playing football, basketball, and running track all four years.  He was the drum major for the band and participated in FFA. He would squeeze in time for American Legion Baseball when he could.  He then attended Texas Tech and Howard Junior College before finally settling on Southwest Texas.

On June 12, 1957, Gerry married his college sweetheart, Nancy Gail Kinberger, and enjoyed a beautiful marriage that lasted 19 years until Nancy’s death.

Shortly after getting married, he was drafted into the Army where he served for two years in a service battery that was part of the Big Red One at Ft. Riley, Kansas.

After leaving the Army, he settled in Big Spring working in the oil industry.  A few years later he decided the oil business was not for him, so he returned to Southwest Texas, graduating in 1965.  He spent the next 31 years working in the college bookstore business.  He held managerial positions at Amarillo College, Angelina College, Sam Houston State, Texas A&M, and finally found a home at Stephen F. Austin in 1976 where he was the assistant manager and then manager of the University Center Bookstore until his retirement in 1996.  He enjoyed volunteering with The Gideons International, spending time with his family, watching the Cowboys and eating gallons of Blue Bell ice cream after his retirement.

Gerry found his soulmate and best friend Wadean Johnson Petty. They married on November 18, 1977 and enjoyed 44 years of love that only deepened as time passed.  He and Wadean had a number of firsts in their marriage; grandparents, great grandparents, church leaders, and hosts of incredible Christmas White Elephant battles that always ended in laughter and questionable gifts.

Gerry was also preceded in death by daughter Suzy Hoover, son Scot Petty, and grandson Joshua Hensel.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Wadean Hoover of Nacogdoches, TX, children: Lisabeth Sturges and husband Mark of Katy, TX, Dana Hensel and husband Steve of Lakeway, TX, Karen Bobo and husband Randy of Longview, TX, Jimmy Hoover and wife Shawn of Alvin, TX, Brad Petty and wife Julie of Nacogdoches, TX. He is also survived by granddaughters: Michelle Bobo, Taylor Smith, Rebekah Jackson, Julia Bobo, Shelbi Sturges, Yobana Hoover, and Emily Petty, grandsons: Steve Hensel Jr, Cody McCreary, Ethan Hoover, Ryan Bobo, Colton Petty, Clayton Petty, and Hunter Hoover, great-grandchildren: Raven, Micah, Clara, Juliet, Otis, Hayes, Wesley, Alexander, and two more expected in early 2022.

Gerry was happy every day of his life.  He was quick with a smile and you were always going to receive a hug, even if he just met you, and when you were leaving after visiting him, that tear in his eye was just another way of saying he loved you.  He was the kindest, most loving, and gentle man we have ever known.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Steven Hensel Jr., David Smith, Ethan Hoover, Colton Petty, Clayton Petty and Hunter Hoover.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Gideons International at Nacogdoches Camp, PO Box 630453, Nacogdoches, TX 75963.

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