Al C. Hoover

Albert C. “Al” Hoover, 79, of Bloomington, passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Richland Beam Blossom Health Campus. Al was born on September 13, 1937 in Parker’s Landing, Pennsylvania, the son of George W. and Margaret (Seybert) Hoover. The family moved to Lincoln, Illinois in 1942 where Al spent his school years, graduating from Lincoln High School. He attended Lincoln College, where he graduated in 1957. Al continued his education at Illinois State University, and earned his undergraduate degree in education in 1959. He returned to Lincoln as a teacher at Lincoln Jr. High School, where he also coached basketball, with one team winning the state tournament. Al also coached baseball at Lincoln Community High School. Al retired from teaching in 1992. He was later honored, among other Lincoln Public School graduates, for his contributions in his chosen career and in community service. Al was a lover of sports. He was lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, and had also played baseball during his childhood and youth. In addition to the coaching in the schools, he also coached Little League, Junior League and American Legion Baseball teams. Following Al’s career, he retired to Bloomington, Indiana, in part because of his love for Bobby Knight and Indiana University Basketball. This affection continued after Coach Knight left Bloomington, as Al became a fan of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, Al joined First United Methodist Church when he moved to Bloomington. There Al was very involved in the Wednesday Food Pantry and his Covenant Disciple Group. Al was also a friendly face greeting people as an usher at the First Up Morning Celebration Worship service. Al lovingly and faithfully cared for his mother for many years, and did leave Bloomington for a few years when he moved with her to Arizona. There he occasionally attended Chicago Cubs baseball Spring training games. When Al returned to Bloomington, following his mother’s death, he joined St. Mark’s United Methodist Church where he continued to share his gifts and friendship. Al was a writer, a storyteller, a lover of country music and shared his home with his cats, especially Miss Kitty, Samantha and Annie. Al is survived by his sister, Julia Hoover of San Tan, Arizona, as well as many faithful and loving friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held for Al at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 100 North State Road 46 Bypass, on Thursday, December 1, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Burial will take place at the New Union Cemetery in Lincoln, Illinois. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence at www.allencares.com.

Tributes

Al C. Hoover

September 13, 1937 - November 15, 2016