John Allen Hoover

February 14, 1936 - October 6, 2021 Woodland, CA

John Allen Hoover, born February 14, 1936, passed away October 6, 2021 at the UCD Medical Center in Sacramento. He fell during a walk causing a life-ending brain injury.

John was born in Wichita, KS to Guy and Virginia Hoover. They moved to Seattle for Guy’s work, then moved to San Leandro, CA, then settling in Woodland in the early 50’s. His parents co-owned and operated Hoover Tractor for more than 30 years.

In John’s youth he was a member of the Weldonians Band in Oakland. That was the beginning of a long and successful life as a musician. He was a very talented per- cussionist and vocalist.

John attended Woodland High School. graduating with the Class of 1954. He continued his music there, playing with the High School marching band. After high School he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army stationed in Fort Ord, CA.

After he was discharged from the Army he created a music group that traveled extensively around the country and Europe. The original group was known as The Henchmen and later became the John Hoover Four. The group always included his dear friend Patty Jo Henry who sang with John and together they created marvel- ous music.

Around the early 70’s John moved back to Woodland and purchased Traynams Music Store on Main Street. He maintained and operated ownership for more than 30 years. During that time he became a very active member of the Woodland community, always striving to revitalize Main Street. He was on the Board of Directors of the Woodland Opera House, working diligently to revive it to the beauty it is today. He was a member of the American Historical Theatre Society and traveled the country in support of renewing and maintaining the countries old and beautiful theaters.

John was active in local politics and served as President of The Yolo County Tax Payers Association up to his death. He was proud to be a life long Republican. He was the current President of his condominium’s Home Owners Association.

John is survived by his cousins, Linda and Richard Widener from Wichita, KS; his life long friend, Becky Miller Allen of Bainbridge Island, WA; his dear and close friends, Doug Wirth and Michael Sanna of Woodland, Brett Dunham of Winters and his devoted caretaker and companion, Maudie Tadlock. He is also survived by many many people who loved him and took inspiration from his life.

John will be celebrated at the United Methodist Church in Woodland on October 16 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The Woodland Opera House, 340 2nd St., Woodland 95695.