Lee Hoover

January 12, 1940 – June 25, 2026

Lee Hoover, 86, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous fifteen-year journey with prostate cancer.

Born on January 12, 1940, in San Francisco, California, Lee was the son of Lecoy and Jeanette Hoover. He spent his childhood in San Francisco, where he excelled in both athletics and the arts. His talent earned him full scholarships in track and art to attend Fresno State University. Instead of pursuing college, Lee chose a path of service to his country, enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served four years, including a deployment to South Korea.

After returning home, Lee’s life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Dolores “Dee” James. Introduced by Carol at the Mars Drive-In, the two quickly fell in love and were married just one year later. Together they built a life spanning more than six decades, raising three daughters: Sandra, Teresa, and Kimberly.

Lee devoted much of his life to the glass industry. He became a skilled journeyman glazier and worked for O’Keefe Skylights for seventeen years. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he later founded his own skylight business, operating it from 1970 until 1988. In 1991, Lee opened Clovis Glass, where he continued serving the Central Valley until his retirement in 2011. His workmanship, integrity, and commitment to quality earned him the respect of customers, employees, and friends alike.

Lee was also deeply proud of his family history. His paternal roots traced back to the Klein family of Alsace, France. His great-great-grandfather, Pierre Klein, was an award-winning vintner credited with bringing Bordeaux grapevines to the Montebello Ridge in California in 1888, helping establish part of California’s rich winemaking heritage.

Above all else, Lee loved his family. He and Dee were blessed with three daughters, fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy. Though life was not without hardships, his family remained an important part of his story, and his final days were spent surrounded by those who loved him.

One of the greatest comforts to his family is that in his final days, Lee accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. They rejoice in the hope of God’s promise that they will one day be reunited with him in eternity.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Lacoy and Jeanette Hoover, and his beloved daughter, Kimberly.

He is survived by his devoted wife of more than sixty years, Dolores “Dee” Hoover; his daughters, Sandra and Teresa; his fourteen grandchildren; his eleven great-grandchildren; his cherished bonus daughters, Jane Ahrenberg and Kelli Wilson; and many extended family members and lifelong friends who will treasure his memory.

The family finds comfort in knowing that after a long and difficult battle with cancer, Lee is finally at peace, healed, and in the presence of the Lord.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23