Morris Christian Hoven Jr.

Morris Christian ("Morrie") Hoven, Jr., a much-beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on December 5, 1935, in Portland, Oregon, to Morris C. and Elizabeth Stout Hoven, Morrie grew up in Pennsylvania with his sister, Karen, who survives him, attending Springfield High School. As a student, he excelled in both academics and athletics, serving as captain of the football team, playing trumpet in the band, and being elected president of his senior class.

Morrie went on to attend Stanford University, graduating with a degree in Economics in 1958. He cherished his time at Stanford, forming many lifelong friends. He was enrolled in the Naval ROTC program, and upon graduation, received his commission in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served his country for two years, an experience he considered a highlight of his young adult life.

In 1963, shortly after relocating to the Northern Virginia area, Morrie founded Hoven Corporation, just as the Beltway was being constructed and outlying suburbs were beginning to develop. For more than thirty years, his company provided drywall, painting, and carpentry services to the growing region.

Morrie was first married to Florence Morrill ("Corkie") Hoven, with whom he had three children: Elizabeth Holloway ("Holly"), Heidi Morrill, and Morris Christian III ("Chris"). Although his first marriage ended in divorce, Morrie remained a devoted father to his children.

In 1995, Morrie married the love of his life, Anne Holcombe ("Holly") Lanou. During their nearly 30-year marriage, Morrie and Holly brought each other boundless joy. Morrie welcomed Holly's two children, Elizabeth Adams Lanou and John Holcombe Lanou, as his newest daughter and son, and their love for each other brought his growing family much happiness. Over the years, Morrie's family expanded to include two sons-in-law, Peter Maillet and Scott Benedict; a daughter-in-law, Teresa; nine grandchildren, Andrew, Katie, Henry, Skye, Fin, Sarah, David, Daniel and Stephen; and two great-grandchildren, Sloane and Sally. For more than 30 years, gatherings at Morrie's much-loved River House were synonymous with family. Through his unwavering love, constancy, and wisdom, Morrie left an indelible mark, inspiring his family to emulate his example.

Morrie was a devoted member of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, where he served in numerous leadership roles, including senior warden, vestry member, and acolyte master. Morrie co-founded the St. Paul's Foundation and led the restoration of the historic 1818 Benjamin Latrobe church, a project that held great significance for him.

Beyond work, family, and church, Morrie was deeply engaged in the local community. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Morrie was a 32nd degree Mason. He served as president of the Alexandria Athenaeum, board member of the College of Preachers at the Washington Cathedral, and president of Mount Vernon at Home. He was a long-time member of the Alexandria Rotary Club and, for many years, played trumpet in the Rotary Rooters Band, an activity he especially enjoyed. Morrie's passion for sports never wavered; he enjoyed playing tennis and golf at Belle Haven Country Club and was a devoted lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins.

Loved by all who knew him, Morrie will be remembered for his easy manner, wonderful sense of humor, integrity, reliability, and kindness. He was a great, gentle, and universally admired man whose legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria on Tuesday, June 4th, at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow in Norton Hall. A private family interment will take place later that day.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the St. Paul's Foundation in Morrie's memory.