Maurice Randall Hovious

Maurice Randall Hovious, of Vicksburg was taken to his heavenly home to be in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for eternity on Tuesday October 8, 2024 at the age of 87. Maurice was born on March 9, 1937 in Breeding, Kentucky. He was the son of Paul and Verna (Davis) Hovious. He was a man of great faith and leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication and a love for his family like no other.

To those who knew him best, Maurice Hovious will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, generous heart, and profound impact he had on all who had the privilege of crossing his path. May his memory live on as a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure through generations to come. God is great!- his glory shines through Maurice, his loved ones and his work. 

Maurice’s life was filled with many achievements, both personal and professional. He was born the eldest child in a sawmill camp in Kentucky followed by his brother Jerry and sister Sue. His family moved to Pleasant Plains, Illinois in 1946. He excelled in basketball, high jump and pole vaulting. He also sang in a quartet and went to state as a soloist.

Maurice fell in love with Judy Cox at the ripe old age of 15 and it was love at first sight. They were married in 1956 and recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on September 28, 2024. Together they raised 2 children, Keith and Michele in a warm and loving home.

Maurice served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-1960, primarily stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio. His assignment was that of crew-chief on B-47 Stratojet bombers, flying missions with the aircraft. He then served four years in the U.S. Airforce Reserve.

Maurice completed the University of Illinois’ Institute of Aviation Curriculum while acting as a flight instructor. His pilot ratings include private, commercial, instrument, instructor, multi-engine, airline transport, commercial helicopter, seaplane and hot air balloon. Maurice and Judy moved to Kalamazoo, MI in 1964 where he became a corporate pilot for Lakala Aviation. He also established Lakala’s aircraft maintenance company. In 1972, he bought Lakala Aviation which later merged with Kal-Aero, a major aircraft maintenance company, in 1973. Maurice was director of customer service until the sale of Kal-Aero to Duncan Aviation.

Maurice has extended experience in the repair, restoration and salvage of aircraft all over the world including the North and South Poles. 

In 1990 Maurice formed Hov-Aire Inc., which specializes in major repairs and restorations of Ford Tri-Motor and Piper Malibu aircraft, as well as other types of aircraft from piston planes and warbirds to corporate jets. 

His generosity and love for aviation was demonstrated by his donation of a static display of the F-86 Sabre Jet which is on display at Michigan’s Own Military and Space Museum in Frankenmuth as well as an ongoing Ford-Trimotor project that he donated to the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, Ohio. Maurice is a nationally recognized expert in the restoration of Ford Tri-Motors to flying condition. He developed the technology to manufacture the corrugated aluminum skin used on all Tri-Motors.

Maurice was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame on May 19, 2012 for his life long achievements in aviation.

Maurice loved to travel around the country in his bus with his family at his side. Many cherished memories were made from the east to the west coasts.

Maurice was known by many as a mentor and teacher. He was generous to anyone who needed his help with whatever they were working on, whether it was a personal project or a career goal. His positive attitude was un-paralleled and contagious.

Maurice’s faith was strong, and he regularly attended services at Texas Bible Church until his health didn’t allow him to attend in person, he would then listen to the podcast because he didn’t want to miss a thing.

Maurice is survived by his wife Judy; his two children: Keith (Jackie) Hovious, of Portage, Michele (Tom) McSpadden, of Vicksburg; four grandchildren: Korey Hovious, of Vicksburg, Sara (Matt) Aeed of Vicksburg, Adam (Whitney) Heath of Portage and Ryan (Elizabeth) Heath of Portage; 4-great grandchildren: Madison, Peyton, Miles, and Maiya. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry (Carolyn) Hovious; sister, Sue Hovious (Ira); sister-in-law, Nancy Powell-Cox, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Verna Hovious.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 16 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, located at 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The funeral service will take place the following day, October 17 at 11:00 AM with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow at Vicksburg Cemetery in Vicksburg, MI with military honors. 

Donations can be made to Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, or to Texas Corners Bible Church, 7780 S 8th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.