HELMUTH “SMOKEY” CHARLES STOEVER, JR.
Helmuth “Smokey” Charles Stoever, Jr. 04/06/1939 – 08/19/2023
H.C. Stoever, Jr. 84, departed this world in the calm of the early morning hours on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
H.C., better known to some as Smokey, was an avid fisherman, domino player, poker player, snow skier, dancer, book reader, book reviewer, and an incredible pot roast and chili chef. Smokey spent his parenting years at Candlelight Little League helping build the facilities and making lifelong friends while watching and coaching his children. He was an adored husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all.
H.C. was born April 6, 1939, in Houston, TX to the late H.C. Stoever, Sr. and Martha Bohot Stoever. He graduated from Taft High School in Taft, Texas, then attended Texas A&M University in pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree.
On New Year’s Eve 1961, H.C. met Barbara, his future wife, at a party. She was whisked off her feet by this new guy in town with all the right dance moves. They continued to be dancing partners for the next 61 years.
H.C. began his career in 1961, as a draftsman for Oil Center Tool in Houston, TX. In 1962, he joined the US Army followed by active reserves. After his Army service, he resumed his career in the oil field industry working as a tooling engineer and advancing to engineering department head for Murray Rubber Company. In 1979, H.C. began putting his people skills to work in sales for Oil States Rubber. He began partial retirement in 1999, working on a contract basis until 2017.
H.C. was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 59 years, Barbara Stoever. He is survived by his son Marcus Wayne Stoever of Austin, TX, and wife Corey & granddaughter Chloe, and by his daughter Kimberly Marie Christman of Huntersville, NC and husband Steven & grandchildren Claire, Jack, Kate, and Luke.
Following the death of his loving wife, H.C. began regrowing his relationship with our Lord. He joined Our Savior Lutheran Church in Houston, the Lutheran faith where he was baptized and confirmed. He was raised in the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran church as his grandfather was a Lutheran minister. He missed Barbara terribly and was ready to join her along with our Lord in heaven. The community at OSL church helped him learn to pray for his salvation and for the forgiveness of his sins so he could stand in the glory of our savior eternally. We are forever thankful to this community.
We will celebrate his life at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Located at 5000 W. Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77091. He will be laid to rest with his wife at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd at 3:00 pm following the funeral service and reception at the church.
Flowers may be delivered to Claire Brothers Funeral Home on Hillcroft. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Our Savior Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice.