Jesse E. Hoover-Harker Heights, Texas (formerly of Benton, IL)

Jesse E. Hoover, age 60, of Harker Heights, Texas and formerly of Benton, Illinois; died October 8, 2026, in Harker Heights, Texas.

Jesse was born on May 23, 1966, in Carmi, Illinois. He was raised by his parents Harold H. and Glendeen B. Chaney. He married the former Nicole Hanks on September 18, 2021, and she survives.

He was a native of Benton, Illinois, Jesse spent his youth in the small-midwestern town and graduated from high school in 1984, establishing a close-knit circle of lifelong friends. In high school, Jesse was on the wrestling, track, and cross-country teams. He also excelled in art class an was a gifted artist. He went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Marine Corps for a decade, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant. After serving in the Marines, Jesse made Central Texas his home, where he worked for Don Hewett Chevrolet in Georgetown. Jesse carried his dedication to service into his civilian life, where he was an intensely active and proud member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Jesse was also known by all who knew him as an avid Chicago Bears fan.

He is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Nicole; his sons, Zachary Kreklau and Caleb Hoover; a step-daughter Sierra Hoover; and his grandson, Mangus Kreklau. Also surviving is his mother Glendeen Chaney; two brothers: Henry Chaney and wife Angela, Thom Hoover; two sisters: Jackie (Chaney) Holmes, Diane (Chaney) Anthony and husband Richard; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Harold Chaney, and a brother-in-law Melvin Holmes.

Graveside Services are pending at the Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jesse’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois is assisting the family through providing the obituary locally, for their friend and classmate..
To give condolences online, or to share memories of Jesse, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.