Merlin L. Hoover Jr.

Merlin L. Hoover Jr., age 77 of Oxford, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Merl was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on September 28, 1944 to Merlin Hoover Sr. and Wilma Barber Hoover.  Merl had a strong work ethic and even had his own successful lawn mowing business during high school. He began developing his mechanical skills while working for Ike’s DX Service station beginning in high school, and the Good Year Tires service shop. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1962 and took classes at Iowa Central Community College before his career in the military. The jobs he took after high school helped him become what his family liked to call a “Jack-of-All-Trades” and included time at Gus Glaser Meats, the U.S. Gypsum Mill, and Ma Bell Telephone. He became a weekend warrior with the Air National Guard Reserves in 1964. He married his lovely wife, Marilyn, on September 24, 1966, in Fort Dodge and briefly moved to Mapleton, Iowa, where they started their family. Shortly after, they moved back to Fort Dodge.

Merl was on active duty for the Air Force for a year where he completed Air Force Technical School.  In 1972, he became a fulltime military civilian for the Iowa Air National Guard, 133rd Unit in Fort Dodge. In 1982 he transferred to the Ohio Air National Guard, 123rd Unit in Blue Ash, Ohio, and moved his family to Hamilton. He was key to the development of the 123rd’s communications building which was named “The Hoover Dome,” and organized the unit’s manual which they still use today. He retired from the Air National Guard in 1998. He was deployed multiple times in and out of the country throughout his carrier. Merl also took classes at Miami University Hamilton Campus and completed his Associate Degree in Applied Science Electronics Systems Technology in 1998. 

Merl did not slow down after retirement.  Once again, he used a variety of his skills after the military: from driving a supply truck for Lowes, being the Director of Maintenance at Schroder Manor, working at Rednour Electric company, managing at Areonca and Quick Paq, and as a corrections officer for Butler Co. Sheriff’s Office (for 10 years). He also learned new skills working at Seymore’s Small Engine and Sharpening Service, which later turned into his own sharpening business, M’s Cutting Edge. Marilyn and family will continue to own and operate the business in honor of his legacy.

Merl was not all work, however; he enjoyed fishing, hunting, dancing, and motorcycles (in his early years). He converted to Catholicism and was Confirmed in the faith the same day his eldest daughter received Confirmation. He had been active in the Catholic faith ever since, providing service as a church choir member, Lecturer, Eucharistic Minister, and Alter Server when his son was an Altar Boy.

Merl is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn Reed Hoover; three children, LeAndra (Jason) Smith, Michelle Hoover, and Michael (Katherine) Hoover; seven grandchildren, Lea (Alicia) Cramer, Norah-Ann, Owen, Lillian, Lucas, Leigthy, and Elizabeth; two step-great-grandchildren, Orion and Atticus; his sister, Sharon (Ray) Hoover-Winn; one niece, Dawn Donnelly; and numerous other relatives and friends. Merl was preceded in death by his parents; one nephew Greg Winn, and one grandchild, Samuel Hoover.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 18,2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Brown Dawson and Flick Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Ave, Hamilton, OH 45013. Funeral service will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church (2550 Millville Ave, Hamilton, OH 45013) on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 10:00 AM. Viewing will also be held at 9:00 AM at the church before mass. Military honors will commence after the mass. A luncheon to celebrate his life will be held right after (room to be determined).  

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