Donald Howard Hovermale

Donald Howard Hovermale, 84, of Lexington, Ky, husband of 64 years to Linda Stephenson Hovermale, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023. 

A Nicholas County native born September 17, 1939, he was the only child of the late Walter C. & Minerva J. Shrout Hovermale, a Nicholas County High School graduate and 1964 graduate of the University of Kentucky. In 1974 Donald attended Harvard University, obtaining their Program Management Degree (P.M.D. 27). He married Linda on August 8, 1959 and they are the parents of 4 children, Donna (Gary), Sandi (Jeff), Julie (Mike) and Adam (Emily). They have 8 grandchildren: Daniel (Sara) Will, Cole (Rachel) Peevler, Lauren Peevler, Tyler (Krystal) Bailey, Brooke Bailey, AJ Hovermale, Austin Hovermale & Addison Hovermale; and 4 great-grandchildren: Henry & Millie Will and Champ & Roogie Bailey. A son, Matthew Howard Hovermale, also preceded him in death.  

Don’s agenda was to have his own company. After college, he went to work for Corn Products in Illinois and when presented with the opportunity to better his knowledge of the food industry transferred to New Jersey. From there, he moved to Keokuk, Iowa to work for the Heinz Company and, when the opportunity presented itself, he formed his own company, Industrial Commodities, Inc., now known as ICI Foods.  

Don loved the game of golf! His accomplishments included being Club Champion at Ramsey Golf & Country Club in Ramsey, NJ, and Senior Club Champion at Andover Golf & Country Club. His other love was boating on the Mississippi River while living in Keokuk. He was also a Mason.  

Private services were held in the Carlisle Cemetery, where he was buried on the family lot.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are greatly encouraged to the Community Action Council West End Center Food Bank, the Nicholas County FRYSC Backpack Program, or the food bank charity of your choice. 

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