Gerald M. “Jerry” Stover, 80, of Howard, passed away after a short illness at his home on Thursday, July 27, 2017. Born on March 11, 1937, in Woodward, he was the son of the late Myles D. and Florence I. Guisewhite Stover. On October 21, 1978, in Millheim, he married Patricia I. Cowher, who survives at home.
Jerry was a 1955 graduate of East Penns Valley High School. He was enlisted in the United States Airforce and was given an honorable discharge on June 5, 1963. He worked for the Pennsylvania State Fish & Boat Commission, starting as an Equipment Operator and working his way to Foreman. He then went to work at the Rockview State Correctional Institution as an Equipment Operator/Instructor. He retired in 1998 after 23 years of service.
Jerry was a member of the Howard Christian Church, and F & AM Masonic Lodge 106 in Williamsport. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, tinkering in his yard, and making his own diesel fuel. His favorite pastime was being with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 39 years, children; Teresa A. House of Mechanicsburg, Burton E. Stover and his companion, Dana, of Pleasant Gap, Gary M. Stover and his companion, Nancy, of Pleasant Gap, Daniel M. Stover and his wife, Tina, of Howard, Sandra E. Koleno and her husband, Rick, of Lock Haven, Lana D. Sutton and her husband, Rich, of Port Matilda, Joyce A. Shufelt and her companion, Joe, of Howard, Cathy J. Nyman and her companion, Russ, of Howard, Jeff G. Thompson and his wife, Brenda, of Blanchard, and Les C. Thompson and his companion, Lori, of West Springfield, PA.
Also surviving are his 18 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Along with his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his daughter, Lesa M. Thompson, three grandchildren, Nicole L. Hefferon, Jessica R. Ivy, and Krista L. Thompson, one brother, Bob Stover and two sisters; Charlotte Auman and Eve Snyder.
Visitation will be on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 4-8pm at the Howard Christian Church, 367 Walnut St. in Howard. Funeral services will be on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 11am at the church with Pastor Don Crane and Pastor Chuck Salmon officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Jacksonville Cemetery, Howard Twp.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Howard Christian Church, 367 Walnut St. Howard, PA 16841 or to the Jacksonville Cemetery Assoc. C/O Joyce Rogers, 3440 Jacksonville Rd, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kader-Neff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 135 Main St. Howard. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.kader-neff.com.