George Kenneth "Ken" Hoover

George Kenneth “Ken” Hoover died peacefully in his sleep April 3rd, at the age of 90 at Parkview Health and Rehabilitation Center in Chapel Hill, NC under the care of Liberty Hospice. He was born, January 30, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Arthur Dansbury and Zella Archer Hoover. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers Robert Neal Hoover and David Lee Hoover.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Mary Frances Carter Hoover of Durham, NC; sons David Keith Hoover and wife, Greta Patterson of Durham, NC; Arthur Sherman Hoover and wife, Paula Bishop of Asheville, NC; and sister, Margaret “Peggy” Newhall of Springfield, VA, and many nieces and nephews.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from The University of Richmond, he also received a degree from The Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, and was a Baptist minister and choir director for 8 years in Virginia. He then went back to school at the University of Virginia and Duke University, receiving a master's degree in counselling, and was a Substance Abuse Counselor for 30 years.

Ken was also a radio announcer on The Classical Station, WCPE, and started the Great Sacred Music program which airs on Sunday mornings. He was a composer of music and composed several choral responses to be used in religious services, plus he composed a dedication anthem with a small orchestral accompaniment for the dedication of the Triangle Presbyterian Church that is now called the Triangle Grace Church in Durham, NC.

He taught classes on music and opera in Duke’s OLLI program for seniors and was instrumental in starting the Triangle Wagner Society, which is now going strong. He also wrote reviews of classical music performances for the Classical Voice of North Carolina, an online publication.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 28th at 3:00PM at the Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill, NC.

Contributions can be made to Liberty Hospice or to the Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill, NC.