Franklin Hoover

Franklin James Hoover, of Hagerstown, Md., passed away Friday, March 9, 2012, at Meritus Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 22, 1924, in Washington County, Md., to Lillian and Leon Hoover.

He attended St. Maryâ??s High School in Hagerstown.

Mr. Hoover was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theater. He was meritoriously awarded the Victory Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon and the Pacific Theater Ribbon.

He retired from the National Biscuit Co. (formerly Nabisco) after 40 years of loyal and dedicated service as one of its top salesmen. He was known as the â??Cookie Manâ? to his customers and colleagues throughout the Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia regions.

Throughout his lifetime, Frank was very generous in his service to his community, and spent valued time with friends and fellow volunteers.

He was an active member of Hagerstown Travelers Protective Association for more than 50 years, serving in numerous leadership positions. Frank was a member of Morris Frock Post 42 of the American Legion. He was also a lifetime member of the Pangborn Council Knights of Columbus.

Frank was a member of St. Anneâ??s Catholic Church in Hagerstown, where he was an usher for 25 years.

Frank was involved with Childrenâ??s Village of Washington County since the projectâ??s building phase in the late 1980s. He served on the board of directors of Childrenâ??s Village since the program began. He was an active member of the golf committee, chairing that event for many years. The Childrenâ??s Village â??Keep Our Kids Safeâ? Golf Classic marks its 18th year in 2012, and remains the largest funding event at Childrenâ??s Village. Frankâ??s support and commitment to the golf classic, and the entire Childrenâ??s Village organization, exemplify his belief in working to ensure all children continue to have the opportunity to learn safe living skills at Childrenâ??s Village.

Frank was an avid sportsman. He very much loved sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with his grandson, Douglas, and all of his many nephews. He also had a green thumb for vegetable growing, and loved sharing his vegetables with family and friends. He bowled with the South Side Senior Citizen Bowling League, serving as president for 10 years.

Frank and his devoted wife, Jean, were married Oct. 17, 1947, in Hagerstown. This union was blessed with two daughters, Margaret Ann Bray (deceased) and Christine Coss of Hagerstown. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Leon and John Hoover; and his sister, Margaret Hoover.

He was survived by a sister, Ruth Wilson, Long Beach Miss. Other survivors include his grandson, Douglas T. Henry, Hagerstown, and three great-grandsons, Joshua, William and Henry.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. Anneâ??s Catholic Church, 1525 Oak Hill Ave., Hagerstown with the Rev. Martin Nocchi as celebrant. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hagerstown, where military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. A reception will follow at St. Anneâ??s Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Childrenâ??s Village of Washington County, 1546 Mount Aetna Road, Hagerstown, MD 21742.

Rest Haven Funeral Chapel, Hagerstown, is in charge of the arrangements.