Robert J. Hovey

Robert Hovey, 88, of Rosebush, passed away Thursday, August 2, 2018, at MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland. A Funeral Mass for Bob will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, August 6, at Our Lady of Hope Parish St. Henrys Catholic Church in Rosebush with Father Ron Wagner as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Henrys Cemetery followed by a luncheon at St. Henry Center. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Sunday from 1-4:30 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 4:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Monday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Henry Center in Rosebush or the wishes of the family. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. Bob was born March 3, 1930, in Mt. Pleasant, son of the late Robert Joseph and Roselean (Fitzpatrick) Hovey. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and married Jean Payea on May 30, 1953, at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. A lifelong farmer, Bob was also employed by Dow Chemical for 35 years as a refrigeration technician. A devout Catholic, Bob was a member of St. Henrys Parish his entire life serving on the Parish Council and serving as both lector and usher for many years. Bob enjoyed contributing to his community as both Supervisor and Assessor for Isabella Township for over 20 years. Some of his favorite pastimes included watching sporting events of his family, outdoor activities, and playing cards. Bob was an active member of the Varga-Fall American Legion Post #383. Hardworking, intelligent, witty, and a pillar of his community, Bob had a quiet strength about him. He was a devoted husband and father and loved his family more than anything. He will be missed by all who knew him. Bob is survived by seven children, Richard Hovey of Mt. Pleasant, Leah (Drew) Dysinger, John (Kim) Hovey, and Mark Hovey, all of Rosebush, Lisa (Brooks) Loflin of Austin TX, David (Sandra) Hovey of Round Rock, TX, and Jeff (Maggie) Hovey of Rosebush; 19 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Nancy Hovey of Mt. Pleasant; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Roselean Hovey; wife, Jean (May 25, 2018); and seven siblings.