Wayne S. ‘Jack’ Hoover, age 86, a lifetime resident of Concrete, Washington passed away Friday, February 6, 2009 with his loving family by his side at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington. He was born October 3, 1922 in Mount Vernon, Washington to Hargus and Grace Morris Hoover.
Jack grew up in Concrete attending school, graduating from Concrete High School in 1941. He worked for Boeing in Seattle until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII, serving on the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Bunker Hill in the South Pacific for 3 years. After his discharge from the Navy, Jack returned to Concrete and was married to Barbara De Bay on April 26, 1948 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and they celebrated 60 years together last April.
Jack worked as an operator for Puget Power on the lower Baker Dam for several years and he later worked as the Public Works Supervisor for the City of Concrete for many years.
Jack built the family home 57 years ago; he also built the Hoover’s Food Center, which he operated with his dad and brother. The building now houses the town post office. He and Barbara operated the the town liquor store from 1971 until retiring in 1990.
Jack was dedicated to his community, serving as Mayor from 1952-1960, Public Works Supervisor, and Fire Chief for 14 years of his 20 year service to the Concrete Fire Department.
Jack was a member of the Elks, a 63 year member of American Legion Post #132 in Concrete, a member of WWII U.S.S. Bunker Hill Survivors Association, and a great supporter of the Concrete Heritage Museum. He enjoyed traveling to Yuma, Arizona as snowbirds, participating in many reunions of the U.S.S. Bunker Hill Survivors Association and watching and supporting his grandchildren in their activities.
Jack will be remembered for his many years of service to his community as he has been honored as Grand Marshal of the Cascade Days Parade and most recently the newly installed Wastewater Treatment Plan was dedicated in his honor.
Jack is survived by his wife, Barbara Hoover of the family home in Concrete. Three sons, Larry Hoover of Concrete, Lee Hoover and his wife, Maggi of Edmonds and Les Hoover and his wife, Becki of Concrete. Four grandchildren, Karissa Sokol and her husband, Brad of Mount Vernon, Brianna Jacobs and her husband, Dane of Mount Vernon, Brandon Hoover of Concrete and Mason Hoover of Edmonds. Two great grandchildren, Kaden Sokol and Dylan Jacobs of Mount Vernon. His father-in-law, Joe Nemo of Sedro-Woolley and a special WWII friend, Mel Warren of Mount Vernon. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Henry and Jerry Hoover.
Special thanks to the medical staff from United General Hospital, Skagit Valley Hospital and Mira Vista Care Center. Your kindness and words of encouragement were of great help to us at this difficult time.
Graveside Inurnment Services will be held Monday, February 16, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Forest Park Cemetery in Concrete with Pastor Marcus Stroud of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church officiating. Military Honors will be provided by members of N.A.S. Whidbey Island and members of American Legion Post #132. Memorials are suggested to the Concrete Museum PO Box 445 Concrete, WA 98237 or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church PO Box 567 Concrete, WA 98237. Arrangements and services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.