Norman James Stover

Pastor Norman James Stover, age 76, of New Philadelphia (Goshen) died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, July 3, 2007, in his residence, surrounded by his family. Born at New Philadelphia, Norman was a son of the late Roy Charles and Wilma Sligar Stover. From 1959 until his death, Norman shared the Word of the Lord with many people. He first served as pastor of the former Dover Nazarene Church, then at the Goshen Nazarene Church. Later, in 1981, he founded the Day Star Holiness Church on Mt. Pleasant. Throughout his life, Norman relied upon his favorite scripture from Paul’s letter to the Romans, in the 8th chapter, 28th verse “We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)For several years, Norman worked outside of the ministry while rearing his family, as a supervisor with American Handling Â? a construction company, and with the Timken Company. When not engaged in church affairs, Norman enjoyed woodworking, reading and tinkering with cars. As a young man, Mr. Stover served in the United States Army and was awarded The World War II Victory Ribbon. Pastor Stover’s family is extensive, and includes his wife, the former Mary Lou Mahaffey Mehok, of New Philadelphia, his son Smoke (wife Dixie) Stover of Baltic, daughter Trish (husband Jerry) Archer of New Philadelphia, son Jake (wife Joyce) Zeigler of New Philadelphia, daughter Cindy (husband Brad) Harper of Canton South, and son Bob Dreher of Dover. Grandchildren Aaron and Sarah Stover of Baltic, Meredith and Mitchell Archer of New Philadelphia, Julie (husband Mark) Murphy of Dover, Joe Ziegler of New Philadelphia, Josh and Ryan Harper of Canton, and Matthew, Marcus, and Michael Dreher, all of Dover, two great-grandchildren, Haley and Colton Murphy, stepdaughters Sharon Freed, Paula (husband Mark) Putnam and Amy (husband Jay) Goudy, all of New Philadelphia, five step-grandchildren Andrew Freed, Evan Hughes, Eliza Jayne Goudy, Maggie Goudy and Gracie Goudy. Norman will be sadly missed by his brother Robert Stover of Dover, and sister-in-law, Ann Stover of Brightwood, as well as an especially close friend, Robyn Dreher of Dover, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Ann Torgler Stover, a daughter, Violet Darlene Wells, brothers Chuck and Paul Stover, and sisters Helen Dolvin and June Bevan. Friends are invited to call Friday in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover from 2-4 and from 6-8 PM.Pastor Edward Schott will lead the Stover funeral Saturday morning at 10:30 in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Burial, with military honors from VFW Post 1445, will follow in Dover Burial Park. In gratitude for their exemplary care, the Stover family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622, the Day Star Holiness Chapel in care of 2131 Goshen Valley Road SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to Gideon’s International, P O Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214-0800.Geib Funeral Center at Dover(330) 343-5506