William Hoover

On May 1, 2021 William Francis Hoover passed away at the age of 91. He was born in Topeka Kansas, where he was raised on the family farm. Bill was the third of five children. His siblings who have all passed are Roberta, Ted, Dick and Jim.  Bill joined the United States Air Force in 1950 and rose to the rank of Major in 1965. While stationed in Tennessee, Bill met the love of his life, Sue.  They were married in 1960. Together they lovingly raised five children, Bill, David, Lori, John and Theresa.  He was especially fond of his seventeen grandchildren and loved and cherished his five great-grandchildren.

Bill served with honor and distinction in the United States Air Force. He served in Korea, Vietnam and Cold War operations across the world. He was awarded numerous commendations to include one of the Air Force’s highest awards, the Distinguished Flying Cross. He earned this medal during the Vietnam war where his actions as Aircraft Commander of an AC-119 gunship, and under great personal risk, he and his crew repelled an attack on an American fire support base under minimum weather conditions in mountainous terrain that saved the lives of the troops who were at risk of being overrun by North Vietnamese Forces. He retired from the Air Force in November 1970

Bill was a devoted husband and father. He made a career decision that gave him more time to help raise his family. He had flown Lear Jets out of Columbus Airport when he realized that he was gone as much as in his Air Force days. He began a second career working for the Federal Aviation Administration. Being stationed in Rawlins Wyoming, he was able to teach his children to hunt and fish and kept flying as a Certified Flight Instructor.  They settled in their home in Aurora, Colorado in 1977.  His experience and knowledge was again put to use, as he served on the FAAs Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee to develop aviation safety and operation regulations. Bill retired from the FAA after 20 years of service to the government.

After retiring, Bill and Sue traveled the world, often with family and friends. They were inseparable, enjoying a life of adventure.  Bill lost his loving wife and mother to their kids in 2015.  Their love that blossomed in God’s light continues today through their children.

Bill was a devoted member of Queen of Peace Catholic Parish. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus as a fourth-degree knight. He went with God while at home under the loving care of his children. He never failed to tell his children how special they were or how much they were loved.

Bill is resting comfortably in the arms of God.