John P. Hoover

John Pafford Hoover, 95, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Born on March 15, 1930, in Bedford, Indiana, John was the son of Howard Newton Hoover and Mary Ellen Hoover. He grew up in Spencer, Indiana, alongside his sister, Phyllis, before the family relocated to Indianapolis.
John graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1948 and began studying Electrical Engineering at Purdue University in 1949. On May 18, 1951, John was drafted into the U.S. Army. Later that year John married the love of his life, Edna Louise McKnight. After completing basic training, John was stationed at Big Delta, Alaska, where he became an instructor specializing in Arctic survival. Louise joined him in Alaska, and together they developed a lifelong love for its pristine wilderness, returning many times on vacation throughout their lives.
In April 1952, John and Louise welcomed their first child, Steven. After John was honorably discharged from the Army in May 1953, the family returned to Bedford, Indiana, and moved into the McKnight family farm. In October 1955, their daughter, Mary, was born. John initially tried his hand at farming in Bedford, but he realized it was not his calling and in 1956 the family moved to Indianapolis, where John began an apprenticeship as an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 481.
John's work with the union provided lifelong security for his family. He earned his associate degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University Indianapolis and became a teacher in the IBEW apprenticeship program, mentoring young electricians for many years. In 1962, John was among the group of electricians to set up the first Circle of Lights Christmas installation on Monument Circle in Indianapolis, the city's most cherished holiday tradition. He continued volunteering his time to set up the Circle of Lights every year until 2023.
In 1964, John and Louise purchased lakeside property on Lake Lemon near Bloomington, Indiana, which became a beloved retreat for family and friends. In 1972, they hosted the first Hoover Pig Roast at the lake, a tradition that continued annually until 2019, bringing loved ones together for food, laughter, volleyball games, water skiing, and many happy memories.
After he retired, John and Louise embraced their love of travel, exploring every corner of the country in their camper. John remained an active member of the IBEW Local Union 481 retirees club for the rest of his life, fostering lifelong friendships and supporting union initiatives. In 2001, he was named a Solidarity Award Honoree by Local Union 481 for his decades of service.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Hoover; his granddaughter, Adrian Attebury; and his sister, Phyllis Barrowcliff. He is survived by his children, Steven Hoover (Noli Bentley) and Mary Hoover (Alex Hess); his grandchildren, Michael Hoover, Bradley Hoover (Kelsey Hoover), and Gaia Hess (Xavier Ortega); and his great-grandchild, Farron Hoover.
John's legacy lives on in the memories of those who loved him and the traditions he helped create.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1605 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46143. Services will be held privately for his family. He will be laid to rest at Cresthaven Cemetery in Bedford, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.