Clayton “Smokey” Hoover
Published January 1, 2013
Clayton “Smokey” Hoover passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 1, 2013 as a result of a major stroke.
His friendly positive attitude was contagious and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Born May 19, 1928 in Bartley, Neb., he led a very active life. From Nebraska he moved to Nampa, Idaho then settled on Whidbey Island in Washington State. There he met and married Frances Winona Webley who preceded him in death in 1996 after 44 years together. His civil service public works career at the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island lasted 28 years and he retired in 1978.
Smokey loved horses and always lived where he could be around them. His cowboy boots and hat were never too far away. He later married long-time friend Dorothy Cort and moved to Wickenburg, Arizona in 2001. He especially enjoyed the world-wide traveling they were able to do, as well as visits to their families in Washington and Oklahoma.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy Cort, two children Claudia (Ken) Urquhart, Custer Wash. and Gary (Becky) Schuyten, of Shelton and two stepsons Steven (Sharon) Cort, of Enumclaw, Wash. and Larry (Lisbeth) Cort, of Coupeville, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters Cleda Link, Boise, Idaho and Dawna Case, Mt. Vernon, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held later at the Coupeville Cemetery on Whidbey Island.