SOUTH HUTCHINSON - Jay C. Hovious, 88, died July 4, 2012, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born Feb. 3, 1924, in Hutchinson, to Joseph C. and Dorothy M. Fisher Hovious.

Jay had a great passion for gardening vegetables and flowers, especially roses. He loaded bombs on B-29s during WWII serving in the Army Air Corps, a member of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, and South Hutchinson Christian Church. Jay was a die-hard railroader and taught his children the importance of being a hard worker.

On June 1, 1943, he married Esther Mae Edie in Newton. She survives.

Other survivors include: children, Nancy McGaughey and husband Mak of Hutchinson, Jim Hovious and wife Sharon of Buhler, Kathy Crank and husband Rich of South Hutchinson; sister, Joan Tedford of Hutchinson; brothers, Johnny Hovious and Dale Hovious, both of Hutchinson; half brother, Jimmie Joe Hovious of California; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rosemary Saunders.

Funeral service will be 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2012, at South Hutchinson Christian Church, 111 E. First Ave., South Hutchinson, with Pastor Jeff Arnold officiating. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson, with military graveside honors conducted by McConnell Air Force Base. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to South Hutchinson Christian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501