Obituary of Robert Gene Hovis

Robert Gene "Bob" Hovis Age 83. He was born December 6, 1937 in Renovo, PA, the son of Clyde D. Hovis and Velma K. Sapp and passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2021. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his first wife Rosemary L. Morgan; his second wife Patricia Ann Hilliker; stepfather James T. Sunderlin; sister, Roberta Jean Hovis; brothers-in-law Bruno Vecellio, and Howard Sunderlin; and son-in-law Victor Nemard. He is survived by his sister Patricia K. (Hovis) Sunderlin; son Steven Hovis; daughter Dawn (Benjamin) Criss; grandchildren Cathleen (Judson) and Jim DeGrazia, and Jacquelyn (Judson) and Jonathan Topar; great granddaughter BellaRose Marie DeGrazia; Vecellio nephews and Sunderlin nephew & niece; along with extended family and dear friends. A dear husband, father, grandfather, and a new great-grandfather, Bob will be missed greatly by all whom he knew. He was a handyman with a grasp of the skills and principles to remodel, build, paint, and even repair his cars and small engines. This well-rounded skill set was often employed to help other family members with their projects. Bob enjoyed roller-skating, dancing, and any combination of the two. He had a life-long fascination with steam engine trains; with help from a family member in the field, Bob was privileged to get onboard and 'shadow' an Engineer or Conductor on several commutes. He had a long list of wonderful pets that he trained and raised; top credits going to the family's first dog "Peanut" and the gray stray "Smokey". These animals won Bob's affection and favor and he enjoyed many years with them all. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bob's memorial service on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 2 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church, 256 S Walnut St. in Elmira. Walter J. Kent Funeral Home is assisting the family.