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John L. HovisPassing: June 3, 2020

Service:

Connerley Switch Cemetery

Graveside Service

Monday, June 8 th @ 10:30 a.m.

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Sunday, June 7th @ 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cemetery:

Connerley Switch Cemetery

Monday, June 8th @ 10:30 a.m.

MITCHELL – John L. Hovis, 79, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at his residence.

Born March 26, 1941, in Martin County, he was the son of Paul L. and Ilene (Grove) Hovis.  John was reared in the home of his grandparents, Albert and Ruth Grove. He married Debra Ann Tolbert July 27, 1976. 

John retired from Naval Surface Warfare Center—Crane.  He was a member of Oolitic American Patriot Lodge No. 750 F.&A.M.  He enjoyed NASCAR, camping, and sitting on the front porch.  After retirement, he worked on golf carts, owned J&J Construction and Walls Muffler, and owned and operated Deb’s Trucking several years.  He was a graduate of Shoals High School.

He was a U. S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, a member of Shoals American Legion Post No. 61, and Oolitic Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1686.

Survivors include many loved ones including his wife, Debra Hovis of Mitchell; children, Theresa (Larry) Weitkamp of Washington and John L.(Sandra) Hovis, Jr. of Loogootee; grandchildren, David (Tiffany) Hornby of Bloomington, Matthew (Tam) Weitkamp of Bloomington, Joel (Kalissa) Weitkamp of Washington, Jason (Jenna) Hornby of Francisco, and Cathy Hovis of Loogootee; and great grandchildren, Julian Hornby of Francisco, Ashlynn Weitkamp of Washington, August Weitkamp of Washington, and Adassa Weitkamp of Washington.

His parents, grandparents, and sister, Patricia Olsen, preceded him in death.

Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 8, at Connerley Switch Cemetery with Pastor Tim Voorhies officiating.  Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 61.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.  American Patriot Lodge No. 750 F.&A.M. will conduct a memorial service at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

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6 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Travis Johnson | Findlay, OH
    Date: June 7, 2020
    Johnny was my mother's first cousin, but to me he was alway Uncle Johnny. He was such a part of my childhood. I loved to hear his stories of growing up in Shoals with my great-grandparents. I don't get down that way much often anymore, but driving on that curvy road from Bedford to Loogootee on US 50 just wont be the same knowing Uncle Johnny isn't there anymore. I wish I could make it to the services, but my responsibilities as a pastor are keeping me at home. I am praying for Aunt Debbie, Theresa, and John Jr. in the days ahead. Love you guys! Travis
  2. Guest: Lawrence Olsson | Grand island
    Date: June 5, 2020
    Uncle Johnny and I have stayed in close contact for many years. We would talk on messenger all the time. We shared the same beliefs and we both liked a lot of the same things. Uncle Johnny and my mother we’re always very close. I’m going to miss him dearly but I know heaven now has another special person in it.… I wait the day to see him as well as many of our loved ones again. I will miss you uncle Johnny I love you.
  3. Guest: Nancy Moore | Mitchell, IN
    Date: June 5, 2020
    So glad Bill and I got to know you both at bingo. Having experienced the loss of Bill I understand your loss. My prayers are with you.
  4. Guest: Loretta Newsome | Oblong Ill
    Date: June 5, 2020
    Debbie, we are so, so sorry to hear of John's passing. We loved camping and talking with you both so much. You were both dear friends. We love you! Hugs! Bob and Loretta
  5. Guest: Cathy & Buddy WILCOXEN | SPRINGFIELD, MO
    Date: June 5, 2020
    Sorry for your loss.
  6. Guest: Sue Cole | Bellevue, Ne
    Date: June 5, 2020
    You forgot to mention John has 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, Daughter Theresa Weitkamp, son John Hovis, Jr, David Hornby, Jason Hornby, Matt Weitkamp, Cathy Hovis and Julian Hornby.