Harry E. Hovis

Harry E. Hovis, age 93, passed from this life to his heavenly home on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Ozark Manor Residential Care where he had been a resident for several years. Harry was the youngest of five children born to Clarence Albert Hovis and Esther Graham Hovis, and was born on August 27,1932 in Madison County, which was home to him his entire life except for his time in military service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Esther Hovis; his siblings and their spouses – Marie Hovis (Earl) Graham, Lindell (Lillian) Hovis, Kathleen Hovis (Glendell) LaBrot, and Dorothy Hovis; and by nephew, Robert Graham.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his nephews and nieces, Thelma Graham (Vernon) Sikes, Lindell Graham (Carol), Mary Lou Graham (Jim) Henson, Terry (Rosemary) LaBrot, Robin LaBrot (Rob) Schrage, Judy Hovis Lytle (Steve), Brenda Hovis Blankenship (Leroy), Kenneth Hovis, and Roger Hovis; and numerous great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, great-great-great nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Harry’s favorite sport was baseball, and he was good at it! During the Korean conflict, he was drafted into the Army. Instead of being sent to Korea, he was selected for the Army baseball team and played baseball all over Europe.

After returning to civilian life, he had a job or two before settling down at the US Post Office in Fredericktown, Missouri. There he worked faithfully in many areas, one being a route delivery man, and at least one time delivered mail in very deep snow. Eventually he became a mail clerk and for 53 years his face was the one seen when buying stamps and mailing packages. The highlight of his career came when he retired and his employers and co-workers at the post office gave him a trip in a limousine with relatives to St. Louis to see a Cardinal baseball game! He was presented with a Cardinal jacket, and his name was on the big screen announcing his achievement. It was a day he would never forget!

Most importantly was his love for his church. He was a member of Copper Mines Free Will Baptist Church for around 80 years, and was the treasurer and Sunday school secretary for over 50 years. He loved his church and never missed a service, except occasionally for health reasons. Who remembers Harry reading the Sunday school report every Sunday year and year?

He also loved to jog and most any day, no matter the weather, you could see Harry Hovis jogging along Hwy. 67 or on H Highway. He jogged daily until physically it became impossible because of bad knees.

Harry was known for his smile and quiet spirit. He wasn’t a talker, but as he aged he became a little more outgoing and talkative.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Homes, Wilson Chapel, 101 N. Mine La Motte, Fredericktown, MO 63645. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until 11:00 am and the Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Marcus Memorial Cemetery.