Kenneth "Digger" Hovatter

Kenneth “Digger” Hovatter, age 92 years, a resident of, Parsons, WV departed this life early Friday morning, December 3, 2021, at Cortland Acres at Thomas, WV. He was born Tuesday, November 26, 1929, at Parsons, WV, a son of the late Ona and Elizabeth Gilmore Hovatter. On June 27, 1953, at Parsons, WV, he was married to the former Madonna Lee Bowley, who preceded him in death. Surviving are one daughter, Terri Lee Hovatter; one brother, John Hovatter and wife Francie of Parsons: his longtime companion, Belva A. Dilly of Parsons; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death by one brother, Carlton Hovatter. He was a graduate of Parsons High School with the class of 1949. He was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War, where he received a Bronze Star. He was an employee of the former Woolen Mill, the Ours Key Garage and Columbia Gas, Mountaineer Gas Company retiring in 1991. He was a member of the Isaac Walton League. “Digger” enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he loved playing golf. He helped Bobby Moore with his racecar at the dirt track and watched and attended Nascar events. The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Parsons, WV on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 10 AM to 12 Noon. Final rites will be conducted at the funeral home on Tuesday at Noon. The Reverend James Snyder will officiate and internment will follow at the Parsons City Cemetery at Parsons, where the West Virginia Honor Guard, the H. W. Daniels Post # 29 American Legion, the Tygart Valley Post #3647 Veterans of Foreign War and the Tucker County Veterans Assoc. will conduct full military honors. The family suggest that expressions of sympathy be in form of contributions to TCHS Golf Team,c/o Mrs. Bunnell at 116 Mt. Lion Way, Hambleton, WV 26269.