Mr. Gary W. Hovis, age 78 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Thursday, May 18, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Gary was born May 23, 1938 in Bonne Terre, Mo. the son of Wayne and Mary Venable Hovis. He was married on August 10, 1963 in Fredericktown, Mo. to Marilyn Greer.

He was a 1956 graduate of Fredericktown High School and a 1961 graduate of Missouri Valley College. He received his Masters in Education from Lincoln University in 1973.

A resident of the Jefferson City area since 1969, Gary was employed with the Jefferson City Public Schools as a driver’s education teacher for thirty years until his retirement in 1998.

Gary was known as a great coach during his thirty years at JC; coaching football, basketball, baseball, track and golf. His passion for golf lead him to great success throughout his career. He was the golf coach from 1977 until 1998 with his teams winning state championships in 1987 and 1989; finishing second in 1985, 1991, and 1992. His teams also won twelve district championships during his tenure. He was instrumental in starting girls golf in the Jefferson City Public Schools in 1980. He also started the men and women’s golf programs at William Woods University, where he coached for nine years.

Gary was a member of the Central United Church of Christ, the Missouri State Teachers Assn., the Jefferson City Country Club where he was active in the 50 plus golf program, and the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

He enjoyed playing golf and other sports and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Most importantly, he cherished time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s activities.

Survivors include: his wife of fifty-three years, Marilyn Hovis, two children, Kim Summers and her husband Bud of Slater, Mo. and Scott Hovis and his wife Mindy of Jefferson City, Mo.; five grandchildren, Kaleigh Summers of Kansas City, Mo., Evan Summers of Slater, Mo., Blake Summers of Slater, Mo., Taylor and Hunter Hovis of Jefferson City, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Wednesday, May 24, 2017.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am Thursday, May 25, 2017 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dr. Stephen Buchholz officiating. Interment will be at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 2152, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or the Ken Lanning Golf Center, 1616 Oilwell Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.

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