Major Michael David Stover, 43, of Yuma, Arizona and formerly of Mansfield, died Saturday, June 3, 2006 while serving in Iraq. Born September 4, 1962 in Washington D.C., he was the son of LaVern 'Smokey' and Doris Mullins Stover. A 1980 graduate of Malabar High School, he was very active in scouting. Major Michael D. Stover enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1980 under the Delayed Entry Program, and reported for recruit training at MCRD Parris Island in January 1981. Following recruit training, he was designated a Public Affairs Marine and reported to the Defense Information School for training. He completed enlisted tours with the Fleet Hometown News Center, Norfolk, Virginia, Marine Aircraft Group 41, Detachment A, Andrews Air Force Base, Washington D.C., and Marine Corps Recruiting Station, St. Louis, where he received a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Marine Option scholarship, and was released from active duty to attend the Ohio State University in September 1986. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism in December 1990, and was commissioned a second lieutenant. Following completion of the Basic School and Basic Logistics Officers Course, Lieutenant Stover reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he served as Assistant Logistics Officer for 8th Engineer Support Battalion Company, where he served as a Platoon Commander and Company Commander. From July 1994 to June 1997, Captain Stover served as Logistics Officer for 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, and Battalion Landing Team 1/8. Following this tour, he attended the Amphibious Warfare School. In June 1998, Captain Stover reported to the Marine Corps Reserve Center, Concord, California, where he served as the Inspector-Instructor for 3d Longshoreman Platoon Rein, 4th Landing Support Battalion. He was promoted to major in June 2000, and received orders to Combat Service Support Group 3, Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, where he served as the Commanding Officer of Maintenance Company, and Commanding Officer of Combat Service Support Detachment 79 for Exercise Cobra Gold 2001. In August 2002, he reported to Marine Forces Pacific, where he performed as a Logistics Plans Officer in the G-4 Pacific Command Branch. In July 2004, Major Stover reported to Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, in Yuma, Arizona, where he served as Operations Officer and Executive Officer. In December 2005, he was assigned to augment Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 as the Squadron's Executive Officer for Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07.1. Major Stover returned from his first tour of duty from Iraq in September 2005. Upon his return, he was assigned temporary duty from Yuma, Arizona to 29 Palms California. At the time of his death, he was unselfishly serving his second tour of duty to Iraq. Major Stover was recently selected to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He is survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl Elaine Stover and Kim Meister of Mansfield; one brother, Major Edward Allen Stover retired of Mansfield; two nephews, Gabriel Holly Meister, and Rory Meister, all of Columbus; two great nieces, Abigail and Grace Meister; aunts and uncles, Harris A. Jeanne Stover of Vienna, Virginia, Harley Stover of Conrad, Iowa, Laurence LaVonne Stover of Marshalltown, Iowa, Merle Arthur Gelles of Florida, and Lucy Ed Klug of Wisconsin, Madison; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2006 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Berean Baptist Church, 2145 Middle Bellville Rd., conducted by Rev. David Pound. Military graveside services will follow in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America.
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