Melvin "Mel" Lewis Hoover, 86, of Goshen, went to his heavenly home on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Elkhart General Hospital, after suffering a massive heart attack. He was born at home on May 28, 1937, in Harrison Township, IN, to the late George E. and Kathryn (Schmucker) Hoover. On March 23, 1957, Mel married the love of his life, Georgia May Mattern.

Mel is survived by his children, Melodie (Richard) England of West Des Moines, IA, Kathleen (Sergio) Scataglini of Mesa, AZ, Lynette (Earl) DeYoung of Geneva, IL, Timothy (Kimberly) Hoover of Marshall, WI, and Philip (Joy) Hoover of Covington, LA; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren plus one on the way; siblings, Thelma Martin, Ruth Richards, Eva (Basil) Borntreger, Marie (Ronald) Troyer, Lois Martin, Floyd Hoover, and William (Nancy) Hoover; close friends, Stephen Spite and John Mullet; his beloved "Breakfast Buddies"; and a host of extended family, friends, and church family.

Mel was preceded in death by his loving wife, Georgia Hoover, of 62 years; parents; brother, John Hoover; foster sisters, Shirley Reichelt, and Gladys Hoover; and siblings-in-law, Rufus Martin, Frank Richards, Marty Martin, Arthur Hoover, and Esther Hoover.

Services for Mel will be held at Ironwood United Pentecostal Church, 4609 S Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46614, with visitation on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 5 to 8 PM. On Friday, February 23, 2024, visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM and the funeral service following at 11 AM. Burial and graveside services will follow at Olive West Cemetery. Pastor Clint Walker will officiate. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is handling arrangements for the family.

Mel, along with his wife, owned Hoover's Cabinet Place for over 30 years, working to remodel many kitchens, baths, and homes throughout the area. The pair were also members of Elkhart Life Church, where Mel served as head usher and board member, and Ironwood United Pentecostal Church for many years.

Mel and Georgia were thrilled to have been able to build their own home from the ground up, and to have visited the Holy Land. In recent years, Mel spent a lot of time with his "Breakfast Buddies", appreciating the company and laughs that they shared each morning.

Mel will best be remembered as a man who was passionate about his faith and the Bible; he loved a good joke, and enjoyed telling stories and reading his poems to anyone who would listen. He will be missed.

Memorial donations can be made to the Tupelo Children's Mansion, 1801 E Main St, Tupelo, MS, 38804.

Tupelo Children's Mansion
1801 E. Main Street, Tupelo MS 38804
Tel: 1-662-842-6982
Web: http://give.mansionkids.org/tribute