Robert M. Hooven, In Memoriam

Robert M. Hooven, a career U. S. Marine who served in three wars, died early in the morning on January 6, 2015 at his home in Anaheim, California. He was 90.

Mr. Hooven joined the Marines in 1943 and served in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was with one of the first helicopter squadrons to serve in Korea, and went on to be involved with helicopters throughout his military career.
By the end of his service he had achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. After more than 26 years in the Marine Corps he retired.

Robert Hooven was born on October 9, 1924 in Buffalo, New York and studied aviation at the Burgard Vocational School. He married Mary Conlan in 1948 and in 1953 he and his family moved to what was then called Santa Ana Heights near the Back Bay. During that time he was stationed at Marine Corps Air Facility in Santa Ana. After retirement, he moved to Anaheim and attended Santa Ana College, receiving an associate degree in business.
He led a quiet life in Anaheim, taking long road trips to visit friends, relatives, and children. A man of few words, he was dignified in manner and appreciated fine food at home and in restaurants. He spent many hours on local golf courses with friends, as well as hours among books by his favorite authors. An avid poker player, he taught all of his children and grandchildren to play. At his 80th birthday party one of his few remaining fellow Marines described him in a toast as having been "the man to go to who would know what needed doing as well as how to get it done."

In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by two daughters, Carole Hooven and Janice Stratton; two sons, Ronald Hooven and Robert M. Hooven, Jr; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services to be held later this month at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.