Dwayne Hoover

Dwayne Hoover of Warsaw, passed away on Saturday morning, Aug. 31, 2024, at Stillwater Hospice Home of Fort Wayne at the age of 71.

A courageous, strong, beautiful soul, Dwayne made a big impact on this world in the lives of his family.  He spent his time on this earth living, giving and loving people in a great way.  He did the absolute best he could and sadly lost his battle to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Dwayne is forever in the comfort of his Lord and Savior, his pain has come to an end, and he is whole again in Heaven!

He was born on Feb. 10, 1953, in Clinton, Iowa to Rita Drawdy (Bessent) and Richard Alvin Hoover.  Dwayne grew up in California and was a 1971 graduate of Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe Springs, Calif. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on July 20, 1971, and proudly served until his honorable discharge on March 28, 1973.

At the young age of 20, Dwayne knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with the love of his life, Linda Joy Self. They were married in Norwalk, Calif., on Sept. 26, 1973, and were blessed to have celebrated 51 years of marriage. Partners in everything they did in their lives, together they opened up their home to share their unconditional love towards fostering over 200 children in their lifetime and adopting six into their family. Dwayne was a kind, patient, trusting man with a big heart who made a difference in the lives of so many children. A challenge he took seriously and dearly loved.

He moved to Warsaw, in 2004 and was always a reliable hard-working man. Dwayne was a machinist for Zimmer, Inc. for 17 years, and formed many friendships with his co-workers. He enjoyed worshiping alongside his church family at Mission Point Community Church in Winona Lake. Dwayne had many interests, especially his love of cars. He could strike up a conversation and talk to anyone at the many car shows he attended over the years. Most of all God and family was the most important things in his life and was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and a friend to many. He would most want to be remembered for his faith in his Savior Jesus Christ and was proud to have been able to teach and share his love of Christ with his children.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda Hoover, Warsaw; three sons, Todd (Christina) Hoover, Warsaw, Javier Hoover, Warsaw and Gamaliel Hoover, Warsaw; four daughters, Tammy Hoover, Warsaw, Crystal (Fray) Mancilla, Goshen, Racquel (Oscar) Hoover, Elkhart and Angela Hoover, Warsaw; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rita and Richard Hoover, brother, Rick Hoover and his sister, Cheryl Day.

Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 1–3 p.m. and Dwayne’s life will be celebrated with a service at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Gill.

Military rites will be conducted following his service by members of the American Legion Post  No. 49 and V.F.W. No, 1126 both of Warsaw and active duty members of the Air Force Honor Guard.

Memorial donations in Dwayne’s memory may be directed to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 and would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website.