Culver Jess Hovey

Culver (Cully) Jess Hovey, 88, of Monmouth, IL, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025, at Courtyard Estates, Monmouth.

Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, 1811 15th Street Place, Moline, IL.

Culver was born on July 2, 1937, the youngest of 10 children. He was the son of Culver F. and Jessie P. (Ellsworth) Hovey. He graduated from Erie High School in Erie, IL., in 1955

He married Patricia Walker in 1981; they were married for 36 years, and she preceded him in death in 2018. He was also preceded in death by both parents and his nine brothers and sisters, Forrest, Leonard, Bill, Virgil, Addie, Dorothy, Jessie, Florence, and Ruth.

He is survived by two sons, Daniel (Caryn) Hovey and Randy (Patty) Hovey, two stepchildren, Elizabeth (Paul) Barry and Wayne (Lori) Walker,10 grandchildren, and multiple great-grandchildren.

Cully retired from Wonder Bread after 30 years of service, which included 10 years running a bread route and 20 years in management.

In his younger days, he loved playing baseball and softball. He was an avid bowler and proudly displayed his 702 series trophy for all to see. It seemed like whatever he put his mind to, he would not only accomplish it but excel at it. Cully would do all his own plumbing, electrical work, roofing, and put on house additions. After his retirement, he did handyman work and charged a whopping $10 an hour; he couldn't believe how busy he was. As he finally slowed down, he decided to take up wood carving, creating some amazing pieces and winning awards along the way. He decided to take up shuffleboard, and in no time, he was a master at yet another challenge, peaking when he won 2nd place at the Arizona state tournament. Cully and Pat enjoyed traveling in their RV all over the country and finally settled in Mesa, Arizona, buying and fixing up a second home where they enjoyed the winter months, living 6 months there and 6 months in Rock Falls. But most of all, he enjoyed when he could get everyone together and enjoy his Family.

Celebration of life and burial ceremony are currently pending.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his memory page at mvcremation.com