Robert (Bob) J Hoover

On Saturday, January 14th, Robert J Hoover (Bob), beloved father and proud Grandpa, passed away at the age of 68. Bob was surrounded by his children and family, after being diagnosed with an extremely rare and terminal neurodegenerative disease, just four weeks earlier.

Bob was born October 1, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan to Wilbur & Ruth Hoover. Bob was a determined and studious young man, seeking the ability to fly high (and fast) in the skies. In 1977, he graduated from the Air Force Academy and went on to fly F-15s! Bob shared his pride for the F-15 by serving on the F-15 Flight Demonstration Team, narrating shows across the country to highlight the speed and agility of the jet. A true Maverick, known to his squadron as “SMOOV”, he proudly served 13 years as a United States Air Force pilot.

Bob continued his love for flying, through a 29-year career with American Airlines, flying both domestically and internationally. He retired from American Airlines at age 65, as a Captain of the Boeing 767. Not quite ready to hang up his wings, Bob spent the past year flying a Lear Jet with International Jet. Bob was a talented, professional, kind, and thoughtful pilot, who greeted everyone with a smile.

When Bob wasn’t navigating the friendly skies, you could find him telling an intriguing story about flying, gaining attention of everyone in the room. He was the #1 fan for all his grandkids, whether they were learning to ride a bike or working to hit a baseball out of the park, he always had a piece of advice to share. Bob was happy doing whatever his kids or grandkids desired, building Lego, fishing, watching lacrosse games, or running Tough Mudders. In fact, he earned the title of “World’s Toughest Dad,” completing 10 Tough Mudders in a matter of 5 years, starting at the youthful age of 58! Bob was a great handyman, teaching his children how to run electrical wires and renovate practically any area of the house! Whenever we had a question about a project we simply asked, “WWBD – What Would Bob Do?!” Not only was Bob a true family man, but he also loved thy neighbor, gaining him yet another title of “PNB – Perfect Neighbor Bob.”

Bob was a wealth of information and reveled at the opportunity to talk to anyone about anything. He never missed an occasion to socialize with family and friends, and always flashed his incredible smile! When engaging in a conversation with Bob, you would be enthralled with his manner, which made you feel that you were the only person in the room. Bob always took the opportunity to share life lessons, wisdom, or simply teach others, and was a mentor to so many. He was genuine, witty, compassionate, and oh, so smart. He exuded charm and affection simultaneously, making you grateful that he was your family. Bob was a dedicated patriot and loved his country. Bob’s legacy will continue to live on through his children and grandchildren. They will always be looking to the skies above, knowing their Dad/Grandpa is right where he loved to be, watching over and protecting them.

Bob was proceeded in death by his parents, Wilbur & Ruth Hoover. He is survived by four siblings: Linda, Jim, Cheryl, & Wendy, and four children: Brandon (Morgan), Emily (Michael), Taylor, Mitchell, and four grandchildren: Reece, Camden, Lucas, and Norah.

A Celebration of Bob’s wonderful life will be held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs on March 24th, 2023, at the Community Chapel at 10:00am located at 5134 Cathedral Dr, Air Force Academy, CO 80840 followed by a burial at the AFA cemetery & reception at The Club at Flying Horse- Reception - 11:45am - 1880 Weiskopf Point #200, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the CJD Foundation. CJD is an extremely rare disease, and we hope to provide families resources to navigate this difficult diagnosis. https://cjdfoundation.org/donate

Please follow these links to view the live streams:

Celebration of Life: https://vimeo.com/event/3182887

Burial: https://vimeo.com/event/3182912