Franklin Hovey

An accomplished public speaker and a wonderful storyteller, Frank Hovey was well liked and widely respected in his lifelong community of Muskegon, Michigan. And no wonder Frank dedicated countless hours to community organizations, and his commitment to public service was matched only by his staunch patriotism and his devotion to his family. He was a true people person, and genuinely concerned about the welfare of others. Frank lived life to the fullest, and leaves behind a legacy of wonderful memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. The Roaring Twenties were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values in the United States, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio, and increasing consumerism. Franklin was born in the beginning of this boisterous decade, on October 4, 1922, the year of the first insulin treatment, the formation of the U.S.S.R., and the discovery of King Tuts tomb. Proud parents Willard Merrill and Harriet (Brehler) Hovey welcomed their new son into the world of Muskegon, Michigan, the town which would be Franks lifelong home. Willard Hovey was a builder and contractor, whose forefathers had owned a lumber mill in Muskegon. As a result, Willard and his older sister, Jane, grew up in the Historic Hovey House in downtown Muskegon, where the children of lumber barons had played in times past. Frank enjoyed the childhood of a typical American boy, complete with a paper route and a Boy Scout membership. He was successful in both endeavors, buying a sailboat with the money he earned from the paper route and attending Washington DCs first ever Boy Scout Jamboree in 1937. The years sped by, and before long Frank had grown into a handsome and popular young man. He met a pretty girl named Ruth Ann Towner in high school, and often sailed his boat across Muskegon Lake to North Muskegon to court her. In 1940, Frank graduated from Muskegon High School, where he had been elected President of his graduating class. After graduation, Frank went on to Michigan Tech to study engineering. The storm clouds of World War II were gathering, however, and after a few years Frank left college to join the Army Air Corp. He became an aerial navigator, and served as the airplane navigator for General Lees plane in France. While home on leave, Frank married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Ann, at her house on August 14, 1943. He continued serving his country bravely for three more years, and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain. Safely back home in the States, Frank and Ruth Ann headed for the University of Michigan, where Frank enrolled on the GI Bill. It wasnt long before their family began to grow, however, and soon afterwards Frank quit school to return to Muskegon. Frank and Ruth Ann were blessed with two children, one boy and one girl, whom they named Kenneth and Ann. Frank supported his family as an insurance agent, eventually working for Northwestern Mutual Insurance. He was highly successful in his chosen profession, with a career that spanned many decades. Well-liked and respected, Frank was deeply involved in the civic life of the community. Organizations to which he volunteered his time included the Rotary Club, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, Michigan Child and Family Services, the Boy Scouts, both the Muskegon and Michigan Life Underwriter's Association, and the Life Insurance Leaders of Michigan; in many of these, he served in a leadership position. A staunch Republican, Frank was well regarded within the party, and hosted many nationally ranking politicians in his home over the years. Frank was also a lifelong member of St. Pauls Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir and served in various capacities. Frank and Ruth Ann both enjoyed entertaining, and had a great group of friends in the area. They often hosted events at their own home, and participated in wonderful picnics at Lake Michigan with friends including the Clovers, the Farmers, the Closzs, and the Tebaus, to name just a few. Frank was also athletic, and could often be spotted playing tennis, softball, or golfing with his good friend, Harold Bowman. For vacations, Frank and Ruth Ann preferred sailing trips, which were often taken with Ruth Anns brother and his wife, Dallas and Mary Towner. After his retirement from Northwestern, Frank remained active in the Rotary Club and at St. Pauls. He and Ruth Ann took advantage of their newfound freedom to do some more traveling, and made several trips to Arizona to visit relatives. The years gradually took their toll, however, and eventually Ruth Ann needed more care than Frank could provide. She moved into Seminole Shores, where Frank visited her every day. They truly loved each other Ruth Ann called Frank Mr. Wonderful. Three months ago, Franks began to experience more serious health issues, and his daughter Ann came to stay with him. Ann and his caretaker, Leanne Turner, made Franks last months as comfortable as possible. Friendly, fun loving, and dependable, Frank was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Mr. Franklin Brehler Hovey died on Sunday, February 10, 2013. Franks family includes hi wife of 69 years, Ruth Ann; his children, Kenneth (Carol) Hovey and Ann (Norman) Amick; his grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Olson, Megan (Anthony Bennett) Amick, Lance (Margie) Amick, Brett (Heather) Amick and Kim (Dean) Hull; his sister-in-law, Mary Towner; 8 great-grandchildren; and his dear friend and caregiver, Leanne Turner. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Metzdorf. A Celebration of Franks life will take place on Saturday, February 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1006 Third Street, with Rev. Dr. Thomas C.H. Scott officiating. Contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Paul's Memorial Endowment Fund or Harbor Hospice. Please visit Franks personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.