Michael A. Hoover

Michael A. Hoover was a driven man with hidden talents. He worked hard to support his family at the same time that he engaged audiences with his art. Whether doing shift work or acting, Mike performed to the best of his ability. He found beauty in what he did and the people he loved.

The son of Rex H. and Kay A. (Patten) Hoover, Mike was born March 27, 1963 during a decade of radical change in America. Despite war protests and the deaths of key political leaders, the United States made gains in civil rights and the race to the moon.

Mikes birthplace was Columbia City, Indiana, but he grew up on a family farm in South Whitley. Tending to livestock and helping with crops, Mike learned to take his responsibilities seriously, and he developed a work ethic that served him for life. He also knew how to have fun, balancing work with fishing and playing basketball.

Mike graduated from Whitko High School with the Class of 1982 and launched into jobs that began his long employment history. Starting with a few part time jobs and then Scott's Restaurant in South Whitley, Mike went to full time work with Dwyer Instruments from 1984 until 1999. To help supplement his familys income, he also worked at McDonald's during his off-hours. From Dwyer, Mike moved to AutoLiv for a few years and then in 2003 he started working at Wal-Mart in Columbia City and eventually at the Kendallville store for the past two years.

Working his daytime jobs, Mike proved to have artistic talents that occupied his evenings. From 7 p.m. to midnight, his voice could be heard on WZRQ 106.3. He also landed a commercial and public service announcement for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Then to his delight, Mike discovered a love for acting. His first play, Spring Comes to February Farms, debuted at Columbia City Joint High School in March of 1994. It was just the beginning. Over a 25 year period, Mike performed in more than 30 plays with the Curtain Company Players and the First Presbyterian Theater.

Another love that Mike encountered was Michelle A. Hagans. The two first connected in an online chat. Their first date was for coffee at Old Pondi Restaurant in Albion, and it turned into a five-hour visit. After about three months of spending time with each other, Mike and Missy knew they had found the love of their lives. A year later, they married on September 15, 2007 at Eagle Quest Church, where Mike was a member.

Never shying away from work, Mike had been helping Missy at the Atwood Lake Campground. It was there that he passed away at his home on Atwood Lake on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 6:15 p.m. His life of work and art, duty and compassion remain in the hearts of his loved ones.
Michael A. Hoover, 51, of Wolcottville, Indiana, is survived by his wife, Missy Hoover of Wolcottville; children, Ed (Tanalee) Scott, John Scott both of Columbia City and Shannon (John) Scott of Ligonier; sister, Kim Hoover of Churubusco; parents-in-law, Sue and Stan Bonar of Wolcottville; sister-in-law, Lorie Shepherd of Syracuse; grandsons, Shane, Nicolas and Parker Scott and Trenton Vaughn; nephew, Andrew (Alicia) Knapp; nieces, Mara Knapp, Meghan Vogts, Brittany Shepherd and Brook Shepherd; grandnieces, Courtney and Aubrey Smith; grandnephews, Justin and Jason Rouch; and his pride and joy, Ginger. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Eagle Quest Church, 1120 N S.R. 109, Columbia City. Pastor Tim Scroggs will be officiating. Memorials may be given in memory of Mike to Parkview Noble Hospice. DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City were entrusted with his arrangements.