Fredrick A. “Fred” Hoover, 60, Hays, passed away May 8, 2026.
He was born September 1, 1965 in Hays, the son of Herbert C. and Wilma (Rupp) Hoover. He attended schools in Hays and graduated from St. John’s Military Academy in 1983. He married Angela Sherlock, and to this union he was blessed with two children, Madison and Holden. They later divorced.
Fred, like many young men here in the heartland, worked in the oil field early in his career. He then started working for Warren Insulation before opening his own oil tank insulation company. Later he moved to Hoyt and that is where his construction career began. Fred owned and operated Siding Solutions & More and was passionate about providing quality workmanship. No job was too big or too small, and he felt blessed that word of mouth and craftsmanship were all the advertising he needed.
Fred had a wicked sense of humor and an infectious laugh that could fill any room. He was known for turning a simple gathering into an adventure and was always up for a laugh. Fred made friends easily and was always there to lend a hand to others. He was a devoted Chiefs fan from a young age, rarely missed games, and shared his team spirit with close friends. Fred was never happier than when he was on his motorcycle with the wind in his face and family and friends by his side. May his final ride be easy, and the road stretch far and wide.
His children remember their dad making them pancakes for breakfast on Sunday mornings, spending time with him pulling the camper and boat to Wison Lake, and helping him work on the truck or boat in the garage while listening to rock music.
All people die, but not all people live. Fred LIVED. He packed so much life into his 60 years on this earth and did it with integrity, dignity, honor and courage.
Fred is survived by his children, Madison Hoover, Topeka and Holden (Hope) Hoover, Whiting, his grandchildren Bennett, Riggins, and Wilma, five sisters Mary (Bill) Metz, Berryton, Carol (Nelson) Neihardt, Topeka, Connie Sheldon, Hays, Sue Hoover, Hays, Janet (Ed) Kuhn, Walker, sister-in-law Jolene Hoover, Hays, nieces and nephews, Alisa Caruthers, Roy Herman, Traci Hoover, Travis Neihardt, Brenna Sherlock, Theresa Griffith, Adam Sheldon, Thomas Zimmerman, Anna Zimmerman, and many friends and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Don Hoover, and brother-in-law Mike Schlageck.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Fr. John Schmeidler officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Sunday and from 10:00 am until service time on Monday, all at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for funeral expenses and may be made payable to Holden Hoover.
Condolences and memories of Fred may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com. Please take a ride, share a laugh, or spend time with those you love in Fred’s honor.