BOMBER MEMORIAL

CURTIS WALTER "CURT" HOOVER ~ Class of 1957
October 30, 1938 - March 22, 2012



Curtis Walter Hoover passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2012. He was born October 30, 1938, to Clarence Bill and Martha Elizabeth McCall Hoover in Lamar, CO. The family moved to Washington when he was about 2 years old. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1957.

After graduation he enlisted in the Navy. After training he was assigned to the USS Kearsarge as a crew member of the Air Navy, his next assignment was on the USS Enterprise and a tour in the Bay of Tonkin launching their planes to Vietnam. Next assignment was the USS Kitty Hawke and a return to the Bay of Tonkin. The USS Nimitz provided a tour in the Mediterranean. Ports of Japan, Hawaii, etc. provided many wonderful treasures for family.

Curtis spent two tours of duty with the Blue Angels as a crew member of the flight team. Of course, they did shows in many areas and it presented great opportunities for interesting places and people in the Unites States.

Curtis married Sharon Ann Gilbert in Richland on August 9, 1969. Their twins Daniel Kenneth and Danielle Ann were born in Pensacola, FL, on December 11, 1972.

After serving his 20 years in the Navy, Curtis retired and returned home to Richland. He went to work for Kaiser Engineers using his expertise from his Navy service as an Inspector. He retired after 10 years and spent the next few years contracting as an inspector to other companies in the area.

Curt and Sharon enjoyed retirement and traveled for the next few years. Their big trip last year was through the Northern states, visiting family and friends and touring the historical sites along the East Coast, Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, other locations dedicated to flying and aircraft and on to Florida to visit son Daniel and Tia and then tour Southern states coming home.

Curt had great fun with his '23 T Bucket in the car shows and was a member of the Retreads Car Club and enjoyed fellowship with the other car enthusiasts. Wonderful family barbecues in his back yard. Curt's favorite times were family get togethers for any occasion, birthdays, anniversaries and other holidays.

Curtis leaves behind his beloved wife Sharon Gilbert Hoover; son Daniel ('91) Kenneth (Tia) and daughter Danielle Ann ('91) Burdett (Ben); he was so excited about the arrival of his wonderful new grandson Gabriel Curtis Burdett, born March 20; his sister Dolores Hoover Stoner ('53); nephew Michael Stoner (Cathy); Kirk Stoner (Sonja) niece; Susan Robinson (Kent), nephew David Harrow (Lisa) and niece Royce Anne Yourdon (Joe), Jeffrey Harrow. Great nephews and nieces, Ryan Stoner, Tyler Stoner, Rebecca Stoner, Sydney Stoner and Devon and McKenna Robinson. Mathew Harrow and Shelby Harrow. Curtis was a special uncle to his nieces and nephews, his furlough trips home were always anticipated. He also leaves very special friends Ken Jones ('57) and his family, Clint ('57) and Marge, and other high school and life long friends.

His great friends and neighbors have been most caring and helpful these last trying times. Hospice provided valuable support.

Preceding him in death are his Father Clarence Bill Hoover, Mother Martha Elizabeth McCall Hoover, sister Myrna Marlene Hoover ('55), nephew Jason Rockwell. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests that you contribute to Wounded Warriors or a charity of your choice.

A military tribute was held at Sunset Memorial Gardens near the pool on March 30.

Published in the Tri-City Herald on March 27, 2012