Usaf Cmsgt. (Ret.) Richard E. Hoover

USAF CMSgt. (Ret.) Richard E. “Rick” Hoover, age 65 of Kettering, a loving husband, father, and proud veteran, passed away Thursday February 10, 2022 at the Kettering Medical Center.  He was born August 27, 1956 in Hollywood, California, the son of the late Clarence and Henrietta (Vandenbrink) Hoover.

Rick enlisted in the US Air Force in 1974 and served his country in the US Air Force at the conclusion of Vietnam and during Iraq, retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.  He received his degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and through the course of his career was employed as a base contractor, currently with PE Systems at Wright-Patterson AFB.

Rick was a man with many hobbies and interests.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and one of his favorite hunting spots was in Kentucky at his brother-in-law, Mike’s place.  It was also there that he spent time remembering and reminiscing about his beloved son, Andy.  Another of Rick’s passions was airplanes and he spent countless hours with his buddy, Glenn, building and flying airplanes.

Rick married the love of his life, Suzanne, on October 29, 2005.  Their 17 years together were spent in adoration of each other.  They traveled many times to Philipsburg, PA to visit his brother-in-law, David, and it was there that he got to enjoy another favorite pastime, trout fishing.  Rick and Suzanne’s lives were blessed a few years ago with the addition of their dog, Dollar Ten, who provided them both much joy and companionship.  A favorite quote, “Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he’s owned a dog.”

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Andrew Hoover; and a brother, David Hoover.  Survivors include his loving wife, Suzanne; daughter, Lynn and husband Bruce of California; stepson, Scott Dickerson and wife Sarah; stepdaughter, Kristi Brandon and husband Joey; a sister, Joyce Parker of Riverside, CA; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday February 15, 2022 from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn.  A funeral service will start at 6:00 P.M., Pastor Steve Wagoner officiating.  A procession will leave the funeral home on Wednesday morning at 8:30 A.M. enroute to Dayton National Cemetery for a 9:00 A.M. graveside service with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Supporting Our Soldiers – S.O.S. Project, 3679 Shawnee Rd., Lima, OH 45806.  A non-profit organization with the sole purpose of raising money to help past and present members of the armed forces.