Edward Leon Hoover, 75, of Mexico, passed away on July 19, 2023, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, at Arnold Funeral Home with the Funeral Service immediately following at 6 p.m.

Leon, the son of Henry Edward and Anna Marie (Manning) Hoover, was born on November 18, 1947, in Mexico, Missouri.

Leon graduated from Mexico Senior High School in 1966.  He then entered the US Army graduating from Officer Candidate School as a 2nd Lieutenant and was Jungle Expert Qualified.  He valiantly served one tour and was in four major battles in the Vietnam conflict in the Army's 4th Infantry Division and was the recipient of the Bronze Star along with numerous other accommodations. He returned to the States and became an Instructor at Fort Leonard Wood, retiring as a Major.

Leon met his wife, Shirley Karen Ferrell, both were serving in our military and they were blessed with six children, Edward L. Hoover II (Elizabeth) of Mexico, Pamela A. (Chris) Schneider of Olathe, KS, Sherri M. (Zack) Chedwick of Mexico, Christopher B. Hoover (Kelly) of South Bend, Nebraska, Kara L. (Seth) Parrish of Columbia, MO, and Seth Hoover of the home.

Leon and his family lived in Delaware for a short time while working for a Chevrolet Dealership as a salesperson.

After returning to Mexico, Leon worked for Western Southern Life Insurance, served many years with the Little Dixie Fire Protection District as an Assistant Chief and retired from the Mexico Public Safety Department as a Shift Sergeant.

In addition to his wife and children, Leon is survived by his grandchildren, Peyton Hoover, Laine Chedwick, Coal Chedwick, Emma Chedwick and Vance Parrish, one sister, Ann Hoover Wilson; brothers, Bill (Kathy) Hoover, Russell (Cynthia) Hoover, Kenneth (Sherry) Hoover, Henry (Karen) Hoover and Phil (Debbie) Hoover; sister-in-law, Sharon Hoover; and many nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Edward and Anna Marie Hoover; brother, James Hoover; daughter, Kasong Ferrell Hoover; grandson, Kegan Chedwick; nephew, Michael Hoover; niece, Jennifer Hoover; and brother-in-law, L. Nolan Wilson.

Memorial donations may be made to the Little Dixie Fire Protection District.