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Stover, Donald R.
Donald R. Stover, 77, of Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, died unexpectedly Thursday, July 5, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. A time to celebrate Don's life will begin Thursday at 1 p.m. at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, 605 Kirkwood Ave. in Iowa City. The family invites friends to share stories and remembrances with them during this time. Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to The American Parkinson's Disease Association.
Don was born Oct. 6, 1934, in Ponca City, Okla., the son of Frederick E. and Myrtle I. (Grantham). Since his father was a union steamfitter during the Depression the family lived in several states before settling down in Iowa.
Don graduated from University High School in Iowa City, where he played football and excelled in his studies. He played tenor saxophone in concert and jazz band.He received his bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Iowa, where he played in the Iowa Marching Band. He also earned his master's degree in mathematics from UCLA and ultimately his Ph.D. in engineering from the University of Iowa.
He married Velma Kirkpatrick on June 10, 1961, in St. Louis, Mo. Moving to Marion in 1962, he worked as an engineer with Rockwell Collins for 30 years, retiring in 1991. Don and Velma escaped Iowa winters by traveling to Tucson, Ariz., for many years.
Don was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, as well as a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Tau Beta Phi and Eta Kappa Nu fraternities. He was also listed in Who's Who in America. Don enjoyed snow skiing yet his love was tennis. Don participated in several area leagues and the Iowa Games, which produced several singles and doubles trophies.
Survivors include his wife, Velma; son, Roy Stover (Dee) of Hiawatha; grandchildren, Matthew, Carlin and Timothy; and a great-granddaughter, Anabella Eve.
Don was preceded in death by his parents.
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Published July 8, 2012 in The Gazette
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