Robert H. Hoover

Robert Hudson Hoover, 86, of Franklin died at 5:48 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Sugar Creek Station, Franklin.

A son of Charles W. and Zora Belle Finnefrock Hoover he was born in Sligo on January 31, 1928. He said he had to shovel the lane so the doctor could come. He was a 1946 graduate of Sligo High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Clarion State Teacher's College and his graduate work at WVU and Pitt.

He was a veteran of the US Army having served in the peace keeping force in Japan following World War II.

He began his career in education teaching English in the East Brady and Spring Grove school districts. He then accepted the position of high school principal at Salisbury Elk Lick High School. After attaining his superintendent credentials he became the supervising principal of the Forest Area School District and completed his career as superintendent of Blairsville-Saltsburg School District. Following his career in education he became a rural mail carrier for ten years

A 35 year resident of Blairsville, he was active in the Blairsville Kiwanis and the Historical Society. Early Sunday mornings would find him at the local flea markets searching for postcards, defunct Pennsylvania Post office cancellations, and anything "Blairsville" before getting home in time to attend the Blairsville United Methodist Church. He amassed an impressive collection of items from Blairsville which he proudly shared.

Family activities occupied his free time attending most of his children's activities and many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Hoover week at the beach found Grandad (that's how he spelled it) down at the water's edge building sandcastles with whoever wanted to help or learn how to build one.

While living in Franklin he became a member of the Christ United Methodist Church. He also had a booth at Liberty Street Antiques.

On September 9, 1950 he married Marvis A. Sterrett who survives along with 4 children Dennis and Sharon Hoover of Franklin, Diane Hoover of Erie, Karen Henry of Mesa, AZ, and Jon and Debra Hoover of Lincoln University; grandchildren include Rob and Jodi Hoover of Franklin, Tom and Martha Hoover of Seneca, Eric and Stephanie Henry and Emily and T.J.Thompson of Mesa AZ, Stan and Kelly Hoover of Kennesaw, GA, Michelle Hoover at Juniata College , Adam Hoover at Kutztown University and Adam Guthrie of Franklin; great-grandchildren Ben, Keegan, Genna, Marek, McKenna, Lindsey and Macaven complete the immediate family. Also surviving are a sister Margaret Brazier and her husband Scotty of Clarion and a brother Dick Hoover and his wife Peg of Greenville, SC and was Uncle Hud to many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers Jim, George, Russell and Arnold; sisters Mildred Wetzel, Martha and Jessie and a son-in-law Rick Henry.

Friends will be received in the Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 W. Park St., Franklin from 2-4 & 6-8 pm Friday.

Funeral services will be held in the Christ United Methodist Church at 11 am Saturday with the Rev. David Janz officiating.

Military honors will be rendered by the V.E.T.S Honor Guard at the church.

Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Churchill Cemetery, Licking Township..