STEVEN J. HOOVER, 48, of Detroit, IL died Monday, August 3, 2009 from injuries sustained in an accident. 

 He was born on December 12, 1960 in Big Springs, Texas to James Merritt and Marilyn Jones Hoover who preceded him in death.  

He married Lori Bristow on August 16, 1986 at the Milton Christian Church and she survives.  

Survivors include his wife of 22 years Lori, a son Christopher Hoover, a daughter Jodi Hoover and a brother Don Antle of Montgomery, Ala.

After the death of his mother, he was raised by Uncle Phil and Aunt Becky Hoover and grew up with his cousins Phillip and Lori Hoover Hatton.  

Steve graduated from East Pike High School in 1979.  Upon graduation, he served his country in the United States Air Force.  He was one of the youngest soldiers accepted in the program where he worked on the Minute Man Missiles Project in Minot N.D.

 Steve was the owner/operator of Hoover Excavation, which he owned with his son Christopher.  He was also the owner/operator of long haul over-the-road truck leased to Quality Carries.

Steve was a member of the Milton Christian Church where he served as a deacon.  He was also a member of the Detroit Village Board, Church, Pittsfield Moose Lodge #420, Pittsfield American Legion Post #152, and a professional driver for Teamsters Local #916.

 He enjoyed building and flying remote controlled model airplanes, boating with friends and family, water skiing, snow skiing, his motorcycle, tinkering with machinery, doing mechanical work, golfing, but most importantly being with his friends and family.  He loved farming and golf. He loved farming and his dogs a Border Collie Bo and a Yorkie, Zoey.  However, most importantly Steve loved spending time with his family and friends.   

 Steve was very proud of his children and all of their accomplishments.  He was proud of his daughter Jodi, who is a member of the Pike County Swim Team, and the School track team and was a PCS Cheerleader.  He was equally proud of his Son, Chris who was a member of the PHS Track Team, Golf Team, and was on the honor roll. Chris also was named Saukee Student of the Month and has been a lifeguard at King Pool for the past three years. 

Funeral services were held Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at the Milton Christian Church, Milton, IL with Rev. Jerry Edison and Rev. John Graham officiating.  Burial at the Smith Cemetery, Milton, IL. where graveside military rites will be conducted by the Pittsfield American Legion Post # 152. A visitation was  held on Friday, August 7, 2009 from 4 until 8 pm at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL.

The family requests memorials to be made to the Milton Christian Church or the Children’s Miracle Network, or the Pike County Swim Team, or the Pittsfield High School Track Team.

Condolences to the family may be e-mailed This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL is handling the arrangements for the  family.