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Merrill F. "Whobbie" Hoover Jr., 75, Duncansville, passed away Friday at his residence after a 56-year battle with cancer. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Merrill F. and Margaret M. "Muzzie" (Montgomery) Hoover.
Merrill is survived by a sister, Elizabeth (Hoover) Martin of Duncansville; a brother, Michael (Lisa) of Morgantown, W.Va.; and a nephew and godson, Seth Michael, who he taught all about Penn State.
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law and best friend, John Martin.
Merrill was a 1969 graduate of Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School and attended Robert Morris University and Clarion University.
He retired from Park Hills after more than 40 years of service. He had also worked at Golf World and was a substitute teacher during the mid-'80s at Hollidaysburg, Spring Cove, Bellwood and Glendale.
He was a very active member of Trans4mation Church.
Merrill was a beloved member of Park Hills Country Club, where he was club champion. He won the J.C.Penney Golden Rule Award in 1995 and was an invited member of Barney World. He was an avid sports fan, especially Penn State, Steelers and Hollidaysburg, and enjoyed volunteering at the YMCA for over 40 years.
The family would like to thank the 1985 class of Hollidaysburg Area High School for holding a dance marathon to raise money to help cover medical expenses.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at Trans4mation Church, 1001 S. First St., Altoona, where a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, with Pastor John Gray officiating.
The family requests that donations in memory of "Whobbie" be made to Mending Hearts Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 97, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648; Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602; or Blair Regional YMCA, 1111 Hewit St., Hollidaysburg, PA, 16648. Arrangements are by Plank, Stitt & Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.