BUCKLIN, KANSAS – Carl "Joe" Hoover, 80, of Bucklin, Kansas, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Hill Top House.

Born on January 13, 1944, in Beaver, Oklahoma, he was the youngest of 11 children born to Jasper Earnest and Lizzie Belle (Brock) Hoover. Joe graduated from Beaver Public School in 1962, and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He later completed a Master's degree in Education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Joe began his professional career in education and coaching in the 1960s, teaching high school and coaching football and track in Rolla, Kansas, before relocating to Bucklin. It was in Bucklin that he met his future wife, Diana. They were married on November 22, 1980, and Joe embraced Diana's two daughters, Sloan and Paige, as his own. Shortly after their marriage, the family moved to Plains, Kansas, where Joe transitioned to a career at Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company. Together, Joe and Diana had two children, Brock and Jodi.

In the late 1980s, the Hoover family moved to Centralia, Missouri, where Joe continued his work with Panhandle Eastern until the early 1990s. In 1993, the family returned to Kansas, where Joe returned to his passion for teaching and coaching, inspiring generations of students and athletes with his commitment to education and mentorship.

In his retirement, Joe enjoyed the outdoors, particularly biking, golfing, and working in the yard. He and Diana spent their winters in Arizona, where Casa Grande became their favorite destination.

A man of deep faith, Joe was baptized in the 1950s and remained a committed member of the Christian community throughout his life. His strong faith provided him with a foundation of strength and guidance as he navigated the many seasons of his life.

Joe is survived by his wife, Diana Hoover of Bucklin; son, Brock Hoover (Misty) of Kinsley, Kansas; daughters, Sloan Marriott (Mark) of De Soto, Kansas, Paige Brack (Shawn) of Mullinville, Kansas, and Jodi Katz (Chasen) of Russell, Kansas; his brother, Larry Hoover of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; 11 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, four sisters, and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Hoover.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Bucklin Cemetery with Pastor Mark Hornbaker officiating.  Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with the family present at Minnis Mortuary, Bucklin.

The family suggests memorials to Hill Top House in care of Minnis Mortuary, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.