John Knight Hoover, born on Saturday, November 2, 1946, in Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday May 5, 2026, in Edgewood, New Mexico. He was a beloved brother to Elizabeth "Liz" Hoover-Greenwald and brother-in-law to Robert "Bob" Greenwald of Leland, NC. He is also survived by cousin, Mari Lynn Markey, of Leland, NC. He remained close to his former wife, Brenda, and her children, Tony and Alex. John dedicated his life to education, serving as a counselor in public elementary schools across New Mexico, Illinois, and Wisconsin. His passion for helping children navigate their formative years left a lasting impact on countless families.

A proud veteran, John enlisted in the Army on September 19, 1966, and served with honor during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Specialist 4. His commitment to service extended beyond the military as he fostered a love for learning and growth in his students, encouraging them to aspire for excellence.

In his personal life, John was a man of diverse interests and talents. An avid reader and short story writer, he completed and published a novel that reflected his imaginative spirit. He enjoyed motorcycling and swimming, embracing the joy of outdoor adventures. He also enjoyed Blues music. As a sports enthusiast, John was particularly fond of major league baseball, passionately supporting the Milwaukee Brewers, and proudly backing the Green Bay Packers in NFL football.

John is preceded in death by his parents Harlan Hoover and Ingrid Hoover.

John's family will gather for a graveside service, which will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM, where he will be remembered and honored with Military Honors and by those who loved him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John's memory to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.