John A. STOVER Jr.

STOVER John A., Jr. John Abraham Stover, Jr., age 62 years, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2012, in his home under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born on August 13, 1949, to John A. Stover, Sr. and Viola (Curtzwiler) Stover in Toledo. John attended Burroughs Grade School and some of the Highland Teen Town Reunions. He was a 1967 graduate of E.L. Bowsher High School and enjoyed many of their class reunions over the years. He was fond of being outdoors and hunted in his younger years with his Dad and cousins. John was employed for two years out of high school at L.O.F. in the ware room when glass was cut by hand after being lifted manually off the line. He married Nancy Stoner in 1969 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and they are parents of two sons, John III and Jay. He completed his four year apprenticeship with International Union of Operating Engineers District #2, Local 18 in 1973. He was an instructor for the Apprenticeship and Training Program in 1977-1978. He also served as a member of the Election Committee. As an operating engineer he worked for various contractors including, but not limited to Pierce, Kelly, Fondessy, S.E. Johnson, Gradel, and Nan-Mar Construction Company. Routine drives were punctuated by John often pointing out a ditch he had cut, a mall he helped build, or an expressway where his skills were utilized. He received his 40 year membership pin in 2009. He took early retirement in 2010 hoping to continue to be active, but nerve disease limited his retirement plans. He was a past member of Bass Unlimited, a Toledo area fishing club in inland lakes. He enjoyed being a member of this group for over a decade participating in many tournaments. He was a member of Little Flower Parish and as a convert Catholic Mass was important to him. He coached the Willie Mays Division, which took the championship in 1984. He enjoyed working the Bingo concession for Little Flower Men's Club, and a number of Texas Hold'em Tournaments sponsored by the Men's Club. He liked cards with a group of friends over the years as well as their annual Fall fishing trip. John gardened for many Summers. He had fond memories of his travels to the West Coast as well as Florida and the East Coast. Through the generosity of friends, he enjoyed attending professional football, and a trip to Aruba. He enjoyed Scrabble Express, visits with family and friends, and IUOE retiree luncheons when mobility was compromised. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two half-sisters, Barbara Ann and Betty of Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy, and their sons, John III and Jay. Also surviving is extended family including a number of cousins with whom he was close. His cousins ancestry includes the families of White, Dungan; and Van Lear, Plott and Short. Fulfilling the traditional role of leader, protector, provider, and teacher, he will be missed by family and friends. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, in the Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, 2426 North Reynolds Rd. (419-531-4424), where a Scripture Service will be at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2012, in Little Flower Catholic Church, where the family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. Entombment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park, Chapel of Peace, Sylvania, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to either Little Flower Capital Campaign "Seeds of Faith" for changes and new construction on the campus, 5522 Dorr St., Toledo, OH. 43615, or Journey of the Heart Ministries, 2048 S. Byrne Rd., Toledo, OH. 43614. JOTH offers a mentor program where women can discover hope and healing for their everyday lives. Footprints in the Sand .... The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you." Mary Stevenson