John Hoover

(From Summerville Funeral Home)

Coach John Richard Hoover, 80, of Salisbury, MO, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at his home.

John was born on December 6, 1942, in Kirksville, MO, the son of Robert and Louise (Garrett) Hoover. He was raised on the family farm in Purdin, MO, and graduated in 1960 from Liberty High School in Browning, MO. 

He furthered his education at the University of Missouri, where he played baseball for Norm Stewart and John “Hi” Simmons. 

After he receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Missouri, he moved to Salisbury, MO, where he was a teacher, coach, and athletic director and both St. Joseph Catholic School and Salisbury High School. 

He was united in marriage to Deanna Morris on May 28, 1966 in Purdin, MO. John was an avid Mizzou Tiger, St. Louis Cardinal, and Salisbury Panther fan. Not only did John coach, he also officiated nine different sports. John served his community by being on the Salisbury Parks and Dulany Memorial Library Board for many years.

He is survived by his wife Deanna of the home; two children, Judy Knippenberg of Boonville, MO, David Hoover and significant other Stacey Lake of St. Louis, MO; two grandchildren, Ashton and Alexa Knippenberg of Boonville, MO; two siblings, Don Hoover (Cindy) of St. Catharine, MO, Doris Sample of Jasper, MO; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister Helen Baskett.

Funeral services will be at 11 am Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Summerville Funeral Home in Salisbury, MO. Visitation will be Tuesday morning from 9 am until the time of the service. A graveside service will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 pm at the Purdin Cemetery in Purdin, MO. Memorials are suggested to the Salisbury Athletic Booster Club.