Frederick Eugene “Gene” Govaia, 78, of Hillsboro, died at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020, at Hillsboro Area Hospital.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Free Methodist Church in Hillsboro. Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m., at the church with Rev. Randy Sands pastor of the Free Methodist Church in Hillsboro and Mark Noyes of Hillsboro officiating. Military rites will be accorded immediately after the service at the church by the Department of Defense and American Legion Post 425. COVID-19 CDC guidelines will be followed. Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Govaia was born June 24, 1941, in Hillsboro, to Joel Eugene and Mary L. (Hensen) Govaia. He married Linda Kershaw on Sept. 9, 1961, in Hillsboro, and she survives.
He graduated from Hillsboro High School with the class of 1959, and served as an MP in the U.S. Army.
During his career, Mr. Govaia worked as a coal miner in Coffeen and Carlinville. Upon retirement, he worked at Casey’s General Store on School Street in Hillsboro.
Mr. Govaia was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hillsboro. He participated in Rendezvous, where he was known as Grizz. In his spare time he loved to watch his grandkids play sports. He also loved to hunt, fish and be outdoors.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Govaia is survived by his two daughters, Tammy (husband, Randy) Greenwood and Ranae Snider, both of Hillsboro; son, Monte (wife Robin) Govaia of Litchfield; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great grandchild; sister, Jo Anne (husband, Jay) Major of Pawnee; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Stacey Snider; and sister, Marsha Grabow.
Memorials may be directed to Paws Care, Montgomery County Cancer Association (MCCA), or the First Baptist Church, Hillsboro. Online condolences to the family may be left at www.basspattondeanfh.com.
