Donald Leroy Hoover

Donald Leroy Hoover, 64, of Strasburg, PA, died peacefully, embraced by his wife at Hospice and Community Care on Saturday, July 16, 2016, after bravely battling cancer. Born in Lancaster, Donald is the son of Arlene M. Pickel Hoover of Lancaster, PA and the late E. Leroy Hoover. He was the husband of Sharon L. Horne Hoover and they would be celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary on August 18th. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Steven Michael, husband of Kimberly (Kohlmaier) Hoover and their son, Grant Michael Hoover, Lancaster, PA and Andrew Scott, husband of Lindsay (Stoner) Hoover and their children Shelby Jane, Kelsey Lee, and Mckinley Mae Hoover, Lancaster, PA. He is also survived by his brother, Dale A. Hoover, Fort Myers, FL. Don proudly served his country with the United States Army from 1973-1979 with the 1185th U.S. Army Reserves. As a man of faith, Don’s life was spent serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While still a young man, he served as a Board Member at First Assembly of God, Lancaster. Later, he played an active role in beginning a new church, New Life Assembly of God. There he served as Board Member, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and Building Committee Chairman. His desire to reach the lost prompted him to serve on the Board of Teen Challenge, a drug rehabilitation center. This became his passion, and he went on to serve for more than 25 years until the present time, touching the lives of many. While with Teen Challenge, he helped to create New Man Development Corporation. His need to serve God and give back from a blessed life was fulfilled. Don also loved the game of baseball. He began coaching when his first son reached T-Ball age. He continued coaching both of his son’s teams from elementary school to high school, and in Legion ball. He became Head Coach at Valley Forge Christian College and continued coaching college baseball for 9 years. He considered it a privilege to help mold young men, not only teaching the game of baseball, but also teaching lifelong lessons of values, friendship, godliness, and service. Don, as an entrepreneur, started a business in his twenties. The success of his business reflects the work ethic he brought to all areas of his life. Don’s family brought him so much joy! He loved family vacations and celebrations and spending time with his children, their spouses and, of course, his beautiful four grandchildren. He cherished the title of Dad and Grandpa. His heart overflowed with love for his wife and will always be remembered by her and his family as a wonderful, caring, fun-loving husband, father, and grandfather. Don’s life was spent surrounded by many good friends, a wonderful family, and most importantly, the knowledge that he walked this earth with the King of Kings and would one day spend eternity with Him. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Don’s Celebration of Life Funeral Service on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at the Faith Outreach Center, 475 Anderson Ferry Road, Mt. Joy, PA 17552 at 1:00 P.M. with The Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Batluck officiating. The family will receive friends at Faith Outreach Center from 11:30 A.M. until time of service. A luncheon will follow the service before proceeding to Willow Street Mennonite Cemetery for the interment where Military Honors will be conducted by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to Teen Challenge Training Center, 33 Teen Challenge Road, Rehrersburg, PA 19550.