John Thomas Stover, beloved husband and father, passed away Tuesday, July 4th, at the age of 63.

Born in Charlotte, N.C. to William Page and Elizabeth (King) Stover, he spent his childhood in western North Carolina. A true blue Tar Heel, he graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BFA.

He spent his career as a graphic designer in North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and California. In 1989, while in Washington, he met the love of his life, Mary Margaret Pelszynski, and proposed six months later on the top of the Eiffel Tower.

As a new Air Force spouse, he moved with Maggie to Travis AFB, CA. After the birth of his second son, Michael, he worked freelance from home as he could not accept the thought of someone else raising his children.

In this new role, he shared his love of cycling, hiking, and travel with his sons. Always involved in his children's lives, he donated his talents and countless hours to the art departments of their schools and to their Cub and Boy Scout troops. Ever inquisitive, he instilled in his sons an intellectual curiosity and a love of art, automobiles, basketball, the natural world, and the OED.

His generosity and love knew no bounds. John will be greatly missed by many friends and extended family.

Besides his loving wife Maggie, he is survived by his sons, William, Michael, and Elliot. John also leaves behind his sisters, Catherine Martin (Ron) and Ann Wyatt (Michael), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Parents Bill and Betsy pre-deceased him.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, at a later date.

His immediate family celebrated his life in a private service.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

For those who may wish to make a memorial contribution in John's name, please consider The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org or the Yosemite Conservancy www.yosemiteconservancy.org