Kevin Hoover obituary: Kevin Hoover's Obituary, Dove Topeka
In Memory Of
Kevin G. Hoover
1957 - 2018
In Memory Of
Kevin G. Hoover
1957 - 2018
Kevin G. Hoover, 60, passed away January 3, 2018 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born a small child on March 29, 1957 to Jerry and Joyce (Hearn) Hoover in Topeka, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his long-time partner, Kim Lauffer; a sister, Cindy (Maury) Earle; a brother, Kreg (Carita) Hoover; nephews Nathan, Noah, Jordan and Josiah Earle and Josh Hoover; and nieces Jennifer Hoover and Emily Tharp and their families.
His early childhood was spent in Topeka. When he was four years old, his family moved in with their grandparents, Ruth and Harry Hearn on NE 39th St. Kevin attended grade school at North Fairview Elementary. In the fourth grade his love of being on stage began as he made his theatrical debut playing Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His love of music also began early, listening to his father sing and play. His father traded an old fiddle for a trumpet to give to Kevin. When Kevin was about 11, his grandmother took him to see Bud Brisbois play trumpet at a local concert, and the seed was planted. He found his muse in that instrument. About that time the family moved back to Topeka. He attended Jardine Jr. High and Topeka High School, where he was involved with marching band, pep band, jazz band and many theatrical productions. In fact, his portrayal of the Stage Manager in Our Town during his senior year is legendary!
After graduating from THS in 1975, Kevin made the transition to Washburn University. He continued to be involved with music and theater. Around this time, he was cast in his first show at Topeka Civic Theater. He performed in many productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Damn Yankees, Grease, I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on The Road, Same Time Next Year, Pump Boy and Dinettes, and Orphans among numerous others (share stories below). If he didn’t have a part in the show, he would have been part of the orchestra or helped with the set, as he was also a talented graphic artist. He designed playbills, T-shirts, menus, table tents, posters, and flyers, just to name a few. In August of 2016, Kevin was inducted into the TCT Hall of Fame, a great honor of which he was very proud.
Kevin worked as a bartender in various local establishments including TCT, Theodore’s, College Hill Bar and Grill, Shawnee Country Club and Topeka Country Club.
One of the biggest parts of Kevin’s life was entertaining in the many local bands where he sang, played trumpet, guitar, tambourine and harmonica-all at the same time! Some of you might remember Glass Apple, Cat Daddys, Scatband and Blues Bums and a Babe. He influenced and was influenced by the talented musicians with whom he shared the stage. Please share your stories below! We would love to hear your sordid tales of late nights with good music and good friends. Cheers!
Kevin’s family will be sharing a private remembrance. But not to worry, a celebration with friends is forthcoming. So, dust off your skinny ties and your dancing shoes.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or to Topeka Civic Theater and Academy scholarships.
His early childhood was spent in Topeka. When he was four years old, his family moved in with their grandparents, Ruth and Harry Hearn on NE 39th St. Kevin attended grade school at North Fairview Elementary. In the fourth grade his love of being on stage began as he made his theatrical debut playing Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His love of music also began early, listening to his father sing and play. His father traded an old fiddle for a trumpet to give to Kevin. When Kevin was about 11, his grandmother took him to see Bud Brisbois play trumpet at a local concert, and the seed was planted. He found his muse in that instrument. About that time the family moved back to Topeka. He attended Jardine Jr. High and Topeka High School, where he was involved with marching band, pep band, jazz band and many theatrical productions. In fact, his portrayal of the Stage Manager in Our Town during his senior year is legendary!
After graduating from THS in 1975, Kevin made the transition to Washburn University. He continued to be involved with music and theater. Around this time, he was cast in his first show at Topeka Civic Theater. He performed in many productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Damn Yankees, Grease, I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on The Road, Same Time Next Year, Pump Boy and Dinettes, and Orphans among numerous others (share stories below). If he didn’t have a part in the show, he would have been part of the orchestra or helped with the set, as he was also a talented graphic artist. He designed playbills, T-shirts, menus, table tents, posters, and flyers, just to name a few. In August of 2016, Kevin was inducted into the TCT Hall of Fame, a great honor of which he was very proud.
Kevin worked as a bartender in various local establishments including TCT, Theodore’s, College Hill Bar and Grill, Shawnee Country Club and Topeka Country Club.
One of the biggest parts of Kevin’s life was entertaining in the many local bands where he sang, played trumpet, guitar, tambourine and harmonica-all at the same time! Some of you might remember Glass Apple, Cat Daddys, Scatband and Blues Bums and a Babe. He influenced and was influenced by the talented musicians with whom he shared the stage. Please share your stories below! We would love to hear your sordid tales of late nights with good music and good friends. Cheers!
Kevin’s family will be sharing a private remembrance. But not to worry, a celebration with friends is forthcoming. So, dust off your skinny ties and your dancing shoes.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or to Topeka Civic Theater and Academy scholarships.
Kevin G. Hoover, 60, passed away January 3, 2018 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born a small child on March 29, 1957 to Jerry and Joyce (Hearn) Hoover in Topeka, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his long-time partner, Kim Lauffer; a sister, Cindy (Maury) Earle; a brother, Kreg (Carita) Hoover; nephews Nathan, Noah, Jordan and Josiah Earle and Josh Hoover; and nieces Jennifer Hoover and Emily Tharp and their families.
His early childhood was spent in Topeka. When he was four years old, his family moved in with their grandparents, Ruth and Harry Hearn on NE 39th St. Kevin attended grade school at North Fairview Elementary. In the fourth grade his love of being on stage began as he made his theatrical debut playing Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His love of music also began early, listening to his father sing and play. His father traded an old fiddle for a trumpet to give to Kevin. When Kevin was about 11, his grandmother took him to see Bud Brisbois play trumpet at a local concert, and the seed was planted. He found his muse in that instrument. About that time the family moved back to Topeka. He attended Jardine Jr. High and Topeka High School, where he was involved with marching band, pep band, jazz band and many theatrical productions. In fact, his portrayal of the Stage Manager in Our Town during his senior year is legendary!
After graduating from THS in 1975, Kevin made the transition to Washburn University. He continued to be involved with music and theater. Around this time, he was cast in his first show at Topeka Civic Theater. He performed in many productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Damn Yankees, Grease, I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on The Road, Same Time Next Year, Pump Boy and Dinettes, and Orphans among numerous others (share stories below). If he didn’t have a part in the show, he would have been part of the orchestra or helped with the set, as he was also a talented graphic artist. He designed playbills, T-shirts, menus, table tents, posters, and flyers, just to name a few. In August of 2016, Kevin was inducted into the TCT Hall of Fame, a great honor of which he was very proud.
Kevin worked as a bartender in various local establishments including TCT, Theodore’s, College Hill Bar and Grill, Shawnee Country Club and Topeka Country Club.
One of the biggest parts of Kevin’s life was entertaining in the many local bands where he sang, played trumpet, guitar, tambourine and harmonica-all at the same time! Some of you might remember Glass Apple, Cat Daddys, Scatband and Blues Bums and a Babe. He influenced and was influenced by the talented musicians with whom he shared the stage. Please share your stories below! We would love to hear your sordid tales of late nights with good music and good friends. Cheers!
Kevin’s family will be sharing a private remembrance. But not to worry, a celebration with friends is forthcoming. So, dust off your skinny ties and your dancing shoes.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or to Topeka Civic Theater and Academy scholarships.
His early childhood was spent in Topeka. When he was four years old, his family moved in with their grandparents, Ruth and Harry Hearn on NE 39th St. Kevin attended grade school at North Fairview Elementary. In the fourth grade his love of being on stage began as he made his theatrical debut playing Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His love of music also began early, listening to his father sing and play. His father traded an old fiddle for a trumpet to give to Kevin. When Kevin was about 11, his grandmother took him to see Bud Brisbois play trumpet at a local concert, and the seed was planted. He found his muse in that instrument. About that time the family moved back to Topeka. He attended Jardine Jr. High and Topeka High School, where he was involved with marching band, pep band, jazz band and many theatrical productions. In fact, his portrayal of the Stage Manager in Our Town during his senior year is legendary!
After graduating from THS in 1975, Kevin made the transition to Washburn University. He continued to be involved with music and theater. Around this time, he was cast in his first show at Topeka Civic Theater. He performed in many productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Damn Yankees, Grease, I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on The Road, Same Time Next Year, Pump Boy and Dinettes, and Orphans among numerous others (share stories below). If he didn’t have a part in the show, he would have been part of the orchestra or helped with the set, as he was also a talented graphic artist. He designed playbills, T-shirts, menus, table tents, posters, and flyers, just to name a few. In August of 2016, Kevin was inducted into the TCT Hall of Fame, a great honor of which he was very proud.
Kevin worked as a bartender in various local establishments including TCT, Theodore’s, College Hill Bar and Grill, Shawnee Country Club and Topeka Country Club.
One of the biggest parts of Kevin’s life was entertaining in the many local bands where he sang, played trumpet, guitar, tambourine and harmonica-all at the same time! Some of you might remember Glass Apple, Cat Daddys, Scatband and Blues Bums and a Babe. He influenced and was influenced by the talented musicians with whom he shared the stage. Please share your stories below! We would love to hear your sordid tales of late nights with good music and good friends. Cheers!
Kevin’s family will be sharing a private remembrance. But not to worry, a celebration with friends is forthcoming. So, dust off your skinny ties and your dancing shoes.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or to Topeka Civic Theater and Academy scholarships.
Services & Gatherings
Service
Celebration Pending
Southeast Chapel (785-272-8844) is assisting the family
Southeast Chapel (785-272-8844) is assisting the family