Jack E. Gove

Jack E. Gove VIRGINIA BEACH - Jack Gove, 79, a longtime resident of Atlantic Shores Retirement Community, passed away at home Nov. 23, 2008. He had been a resident of Virginia Beach since 1974. Born in Kansas City, Mo., in 1929, he was the second oldest son of Frank and Hazel Gove. Jack later moved to Saint Joseph, Mo., and was a graduate of Saint Joseph Central High School in 1946. Jack attended the University of Kansas on a Naval ROTC scholarship, graduating in 1950 with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Upon graduation, he received a regular commission as an ensign in the Supply Corps of the U.S. Navy, serving in both the Korean conflict and Vietnam War. In 1976, he retired from active duty in the Navy with rank of captain. Following military service, Jack was employed for 15 years with Bank of America and its predecessors, rising to the position of vice president. He served for several years as the manager of the Naval Base Office in Norfolk, in private banking at Columbus Center in Virginia Beach and finally as manager of Naval Air Station Oceana office before retiring in 1991. Jack truly enjoyed helping others and volunteered his time freely working for numerous non-profit organizations. He was an active member and served as an elder of both Bayside Presbyterian Church and Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. He volunteered for many years as a driver for cancer patients for Lee's Friends and as the Atlantic Shores campaign coordinator for the United Way of South Hampton Roads. He was a volunteer driver for the American Red Cross, served as a Boy Scout committee member, a Little League coach and in various committees at Atlantic Shores Retirement Community. Jack was also a lifetime member of the Phi Gamma Delta social fraternity, an officer of the Virginia Beach Combers Kiwanis Club and the Navy League of Hampton Roads. Jack is survived by his wife, Caryl Gove. In 2007, he had the great good fortune to marry Caryl, whom he loved very much, and wished they could have been together for many years longer. He was predeceased by his beloved first wife of 54 years, Mary Lou Gove; his parents, Frank and Hazel Gove of St. Joseph, Mo., and his brother, Richard Gove of Kimberling City, Mo. Jack is also survived by his four children: son, Rick Gove, daughter, Lisa Gove of Virginia Beach, son, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Dave Gove and his wife Beverly of Newport, R.I. and their children, Jason Gove and wife Dana of Tempe, Ariz., Kristen Kossen, her husband Matt and great-grandson, Charlie of Minot, Maine, daughter, Susan Merten and husband Bill of Chicago and their children, Katie, Jake, Lindy and Cal. He is also survived by his older brother, Robert Gove and wife Marialyce of Wauwatosa, Wis., and sister-in-law, Donna Gove of Kimberling City. A memorial service will be held for Jack Gove in Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2228 Princess Anne Road, Saturday at 11 a.m. It is requested that, in lieu of flowers, any desired memorial donations be directed to the Building Fund of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2228 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 or Lee's Friends, 7400 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23505 or to the charity of your choice.