Richard L. Hovis

Richard L. Hovis, 81, of Franklin passed away at 3:04 A.M. on Sunday January 21, 2018 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca

Born February 15, 1936, in Franklin, he was the son of Robert Hovis and Edith Sweetapple Hovis Johnson. He was raised by his grandmother, Eva Sweetapple and his aunts and uncles, Ed and Wilda Quinn and Fred and June Stone.

He graduated from Franklin High School in 1954, served in the US Army, June 1955 to June 1957 in Wiesbaden, Germany and achieved an honorable discharge.

He worked for 17 years at Franklin Steel and later worked for J-M Mfg. for 30 years, retiring in 2005. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church, Elks Club, Franklin Aires Flying Club and the local Experimental Aircraft Assoc. He also was a pilot since 1985.

He married the former Dianna Hartman on February 20, 1960 and she survives.

Also surviving are three sons; Jeff Hovis and his wife Susan of Charleston, WV, Jody Hovis and his wife Jill of Franklin and Jason Hovis and his wife Carrie of Bellefonte; nine grandchildren, Matt Hovis, Shauna Villar, Kelsey Eichholtz, Kaitlan Hovis, Mikayla Hovis, Cole Hovis, Connor Richey, A.J. Hovis, and Catherine Richey; three sisters, Lucille Keith of Beaumont, TX, Mary Lou Sloan of N Fort Myers, FL and Franklin and Wilda Yard of Claremore, OK; an aunt, June Stone and an uncle Tom Sweetapple; two brother in law's, Gordon Hartman and his wife Jane and Gary Hartman and his wife Lisa, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no visitation.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday February 17, 2018 with Rev. Jeff Little, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating.

Memorial contribution may be made to the Precious Paws Animal Rescue 720 Atlantic Ave. Franklin, PA 16323 or to Venango County Humane Society 286 South Main St. Seneca, PA 16346.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com