H.A. "Pete" Stover Obituary (1924 - 2012)

Coffeyville - H.A. "Pete" Stover, 87, of Coffeyville, passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012 at his home. He was born December 20, 1924 at Coffeyville to Charles and Addie (Wood) Stover. Pete grew up and attended school in Coffeyville graduating from Field Kindley High School, and Coffeyville Community College, later attending and graduating from Pittsburg State University. While in high school and college he played basketball, football, and golf. In 1942 he joined the U.S. Marine Corp, serving in the South Pacific theatre during World War II. Pete was a radioman and worked with Navajo Code Talkers whose coded language was never deciphered. He was a member of the Third Raider Battalion during 1943 and 1944. He was honorably discharged in 1945. On August 4, 1950 he married Jean Lusk at Coffeyville. Following their marriage they lived in Chanute and Joplin before returning to Coffeyville where Pete worked at Acme Foundry for 25 years retiring in 1987. After ten years of retirement, he returned to Acme working part-time until March 2012. Pete enjoyed sports, and was an accomplished golfer. For a time he coached the Coffeyville Community College Golf team. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and had a great love of big band and jazz music. Pete played drums occasionally with local bands. Survivors include his wife, Jean Stover of the home; and one daughter, Peggy Farmer of Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Oscar Stover, and Harold Stover. A Memorial Service Celebrating Pete's life will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Veterans Memorial Patio in Fairview Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the U.S. Marine Corp. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Coffeyville. Friends may sign the register book on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, or the charity of the donor's choice; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.