JERRY ELTON STOVER, 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at his residence, The Towne House, Fort Wayne, Ind. Born April 30, 1944, in Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Mich., he was a son of Elton Claude and Kathryn (Ciarvino) Stover. During Jerry's high school years, he enjoyed and excelled at training and riding quarter horses competitively before graduating in 1962 from Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Mich. Jerry aspired to be a teacher and received his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Michigan University. He began his teaching career in 1966 at Benton Harbor area schools. In 1967, he transferred to Lasalle High School, South Bend, Ind. He received his Master of Fine Arts from Notre Dame University in 1972. Jerry loved the English language and Drama was a strong passion of his. In 1974, Jerry located to Fort Wayne, Ind., as he continued his teaching career at Leo Jr. Sr. High School, to enhance the English and Drama Departments. In 1987, Jerry moved to Huntington Beach, Calif., where he took on an assignment with Long Beach Unified Schools. During his 21 years in the district, he served as a teacher, Chair of the English Department, Principal and just before retirement in 2009 as the Director of Grants and Funding for the school district. "Jerry had an eye for talent, brought the best out of people, challenged students, co-workers, and administration to go the 'extra' mile in all that one does! He was a trendsetter and a loyal friend to many! Jerry knew no stranger." Jerry enjoyed traveling over the years to Europe, England, Italy, and France. Some of Jerry's past time hobbies included gardening, landscaping, and decorating his several homes that he would buy and sell over the years. His favorite holiday was Christmas. He loved to decorate and host holiday parties. In the background of his home, one could hear a variety of music playing from disco to classical. Jerry is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, David and Claudia Stover of Holland, Mich. He was preceded in death by parents, Elton and Kathryn Stover. Final arrangements were made by FairHaven Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

07/19/2023 JFC