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Michael D. Stover Obituary

A 43-year-old Ohio Marine who enlisted in 1980 has died in Iraq, the U.S. Department of Defense said Wednesday. Maj. Michael Stover of Mansfield died Saturday in the Al Anbar Province in western Iraq, the department said. The Defense Department would not say how he died, other than it was not in combat. Stover was the executive officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 based in 29 Palms, Calif. The unit went to Iraq in February as part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Stover graduated from Malabar High School in Mansfield in 1980 and reported to the Marines in 1981. He was released from active duty in 1986 to attend Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor''s degree in journalism in December 1990 and was commissioned a Marine Corps second lieutenant. Funeral arrangements were pending Wednesday with Wappner Funeral Directors in Mansfield. -- Michael D. Stover''s decision to enlist didn''t come as a surprise to his sister, who watched her baby brother grow up craving adventure as much as he did book knowledge. "His nickname was ''Monkey'' as a kid because he was always falling out of trees, breaking his arm, riding bicycles and flying over the handlebars and ending up in hospitals," said Cheryl Meister. "Anything that was exciting or extreme, Michael had to be involved in." Stover, 43, of Mansfield, Ohio, died June 3 of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound at Taqqadum. A 1980 high school graduate, he was assigned to Yuma and was on his second tour. Stover was an outdoorsman _ a Boy Scout who wrestled, lifted weights, and rode his bicycle long distances. "He was into a lot of physical activities that challenged him as an individual," said his brother, Edward "Al" Stover. Stover was released from active duty to attend Ohio State University in September 1986. He received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism in December 1990 and was commissioned a Marine Corps second lieutenant. He also is survived by his parents, LaVern "Smokey" and Doris Stover.

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Published by The Gazette on Jun. 8, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael D. Stover

Not sure what to say?





Rory Meister

May 26, 2023

Uncle Mike - For a few years now, I have returned to this site prior to Memorial Day. It reminds me of how awesome you were on this place we call Earth. I often think about your humor, playing catch, golf, riding bikes and the ability to drive Nana and Papa crazy; some say we were a lot alike. I'm a proud nephew and eternally grateful for your sacrifice and dedication to our country.

Love,
Rory

Charlie Gili

October 28, 2021

Hello,

We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of Michael D. Stover US Marine Major.

We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.

We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Peggy Childers

June 5, 2012

June 3, 2012
To the family and friends of Maj. Michael D. Stover:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."

Cheryl Meister

November 11, 2011

Baby brother I miss you so. On this Veteran's Day I truly thank you for your sacrifice for our country. You will forever be my hero.
Your Big Sis

P. Bannister

June 17, 2011

I served under Major Stover in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii with CSSG-3/Maintenance Company. I was in Electronics Platoon, but temporarily served as the Major and 1st Sergeants Clerk for 10 months. It really was an honor working for Maj. Stover and 1stSgt Haile. Two outstanding leaders that the whole company loved. I had blind faith in both of them. They could have told me to tar and feather myself and I would have done so without question.

He was one of the top logisticians in the Corps. He took excellent care of Maintenance Company. A true loss for the Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis, Sir!!! Ooh-Rah!!!

Peggy Childers

June 3, 2011

To the family and friends of Maj. Michael D. Stover:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

former Corporal

October 4, 2010

Such a tragic loss of a squared away, respected Marine. God, Country, Corps. Semper Fi Major Stover

Peggy Childers

June 5, 2010

To the family and friends of Maj. Michael D. Stover:
Remembering Michael on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Mark Wipfler

May 24, 2010

I worked for Maj. Stover on Deployment to Thailand he was my CO CSSD79 and at the time I was only 20 he was fair, honest, respected and well liked not at all a common blend. What a void he has left.

Peggy Childers

June 3, 2009

To the family of Maj. Michael D. Stover:
Michael gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Kenna Larra

April 8, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

In Memory of Michael ~ (Debra Estep)

Debra Estep

June 3, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Michael, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

A sincere thank you to Ed for your military service.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol


Sincerely,

Deb
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55


Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

.

Safely Home

Michael Iezzi

June 3, 2008

Michael,
Thinking and praying for you on the 2nd anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.

May 29, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Maj Stover!

August 15, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

July 29, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Maj Stover and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Sandi Williamson

May 15, 2007

I only learned of Maj Stover's death a few months ago. He had written my letter of recommendation for my Warrant Officer package last year in Jan 06. I was selected to the Warrant Officer Program and I wanted to thank him but I could not find him on the email listing for the Marine Corps. I asked a mutual friend if he knew where Maj Stover was, and he gave me the tragic news. I was stationed with him in Hawaii in 2001. He was a great leader, and was one of a few officers who did not demand respect, but earned the respect of those around him. He is truly missed. As he has been gone for almost a year now, I want to send my condolences to his family and pray that the Lord will ease their pain. Thank you Maj Stover, for all you have given. God Bless.

CATHY HENDERSON

May 12, 2007

MAJOR STOVER IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT
REAL AMERICANS STAND FOR. MAY GOD COMFORT AND GIVE THE FAMILY HELP TO BEAR THE HEARTACHE AND SORROW
WE ALL FEEL GOD BLESS

mack black

May 11, 2007

to the stover family, be comforted to know that michael is safe now. he will never face the dangers that he once faced alive in this system of things. the bible promises a resurrection for those in this sleeplike condition. may God grant you the day to welcome him back into your family.

May 11, 2007

This is just so sad. Such a determined and accomplished man.
May he rest in peace.

Michael Iezzi

May 11, 2007

Father we entrust our brother Michael to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Michael in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.

Paul Hickman

May 11, 2007

Rest in Peace Marine.
Thank you for your devotion to this nation, and for your sacrafice.

Semper Fidelis
CPL. Paul Hickman
Former Marine

Carol Cline

May 10, 2007

Know in your heart that Michael is a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace Michael. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.

To Michael's family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

salvador estrada

May 10, 2007

never forgive, never forget sir........

SHIRLEY DONEY

May 10, 2007

REST IN PEACE MICHAEL, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

January 16, 2007

“Paid in Full”
To Honor The Service of Fallen and Injured Marines


Marines through and through, they paid the price
Six thousand miles away, we live the life
For which they paid with their blood, spirits and bodies
We will never forget what they paid in full

We hope and we pray that somehow their loved ones find comfort
In God, in the flag, in the memory of their loved ones’ bravery
They’re gone now but we see them still…proud, strong, willing
Covering each other’s backs… courageous, moving forward

What kind of love did they have for us to be willing
To give it all for the Black, White, Jew, Christian, Muslim?
We don’t comprehend but we honor you now and forever
You are Our Marines…some living…some not
Forever in our hearts we will cherish your lives

Lives too short yet immortal they’ll be
Highest brotherhood of the Few, the Proud
They stand at attention, and we gaze with awe
Some know their names not, but our admiration for them
Flows limitless within us, between us

They sacrificed their limbs or their lives
Freedom still rings, a soft sound across the miles
It tolls slowly; all of creation takes note
Of the lives that were lost for people unknown

Out of sight but not lost; forever among us
The starched blues marching straight
Toward the place where we will meet them
Many years from now…how we loved them…
Well done beloved Brothers and Sisters…You’ve paid it in full
Always Faithful Marines, You Have Paid it in Full

Robert Gebhard

November 14, 2006

To the Stover Family,
Mike and I served together on a project in 2002 while assigned in the Pacific. His good natured professionalism, espirit de corps, and caring for his fellow Marine were among the hallmarks of his character. Two years later, we met again assigned to the same unit in Hawaii. When I read the notice of this fallen hero after my retirement from the Marine Corps this past summer, my heart wept, for we all miss what he provided selflessly every day. I know, in heaven, Mike is watching and waiting with the same sheepish grim and hearty laughter, ready to greet us when it is our turn. Semper Fidelis. God Bless.

Garnet Jenkins

September 2, 2006

My deepest sympathy to the Stover family regarding the recent loss of Maj. Michael D. Stover, with a multitude of Thanks for this Hero's Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom.

Rest Safely Major Stover, in God's Mighty Hands and know that you shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

May God's Loving Grace and Comfort continue to be with the Stover family.

I am the Sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.



"I consider that our present sufferings.

are not worth comparing with the glory

that shall be revealed in us."

Romans 8:18



" What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,

for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us"

~ Helen Keller ~

sandy prosser

June 19, 2006

i have known the stover family for a very long time. saying goodbye to mike was the hardest thing for his sister and brother. mike was a great man and a good marine i will miss him alot.he had a smile that would light a rm, he was charming and loving. he dedicated his life to our country and keeping us safe, mike was definitly an angel that guards our gates...mike is not only mourned by his brother and sister,and other family members he will also be missed by his other family the marines that was very apparent by them at the funeral.mike will always be my hero he made the ultimate sacrifice thank you mike for keeping us safe see u in heaven..god bless american!!continue to support and pray for our troops...

Lee Sirotnak

June 18, 2006

Please accept our sympathy for your loss, and our prayers that God provide you peace and comfort. Michael will live on in the hearts of many Marine families, who recognize his honor and courage and who will be here to support your family with prayer. Semper Fi and God Bless.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

June 12, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Stover family in the loss of Michael. I did not know Michael, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Michaelyou are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Amy Lokken

June 10, 2006

I am writing on behalf of my mother in law, Michael’s Aunt, Lucy Klug. His family misses Michael dearly, and their sorrow is deep. Lucy offers sympathy to Michael’s other family members, her heart and prayers go out to them all. God Bless Michael, you are loved.

June 9, 2006

To the Family of Maj. Michael D. Stover;

My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.

I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.

Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)

[email protected]

(Millersville, PA )

Josh and April Morales

June 9, 2006

To Michael's family and friends-

My family and I are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We send our deepest empathy as we lost our Marine on 11/30/05 in Fallujah. We are comforted to know that our Marines are serving their country with such honor and bravery. We are so proud of our Marines and all of our other service men and women for all that they have done and continue to do to keep us safe and to give us the freedom we have that so many take for granted.

They are true Heroes and need to always be remembered for their selflessness and sacrifice to better our world. We will forever be united in the loss of our heros. We are so sorry for your loss and hope our words will ease some of the pain, and maybe fill some of your emptiness.

Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!

Our sincerest gratitude for their bravery-

The family of Cpl. William "Billy" Taylor

2/6 WPNS

KIA outside of Fallujah 11/30/05

Pat Canfall

June 9, 2006

My condolences to the Stover family.

Michael may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.

June 8, 2006

Lifting you up in prayer for God's healing hands upon your hearts. May you find comfort in His loving embrace.



Jami Edgecomb

Mother, Nyle Yates III, KIA 03/16/06

Patricia Perkins Kard

June 8, 2006

To the family of Maj. Michael D. Stover:



I can only imagine what you and your family have gone through since being notified of the death of Michael. I want you to know that you are not alone. Hearts of families all over are grieving with you.



You are living the nightmare of every family who has a loved one serving his country. I know this time is a difficult one in which no words can express how you feel, just as no words can express how much I feel for you and your family. But know that God above carried Michael home and said, "an awesome job - well done."



The path Michael chose to follow has not ended.

He now walks in a different place. Not one of war and heartache but one of happiness and eternal peace. His life will continue to touch your family and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His life reflected his love for his family, his country, his military family and his compassion for those who do not know the meaning of freedom. His life is an inspiration and should be an example that we all follow and honor. Michael has not left you, he has been re-deployed to Heaven.



I wish that I could ease your pain and sadness, but it will be a long, slow and painful climb. Pain this deep will never go entirely away, but I pray that as each day that passes the hurt becomes a little less. And the memories of a lifetime will sustain you. The memories are your keepsake that can never be taken away. God has Michael in his keeping, but you have him forever in your thoughts and hearts.



I hope that this letter will help to begin the healing process, so that your memories of Michael will shine through the sadness. I will continue to pray for you and your family.



with Love & Concern from the proud mother of a US Marine



"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."



" He is like the wind. You can not see him...but you will always feel him"

Linda Flannery

June 8, 2006

My sympathies to the family of Maj Stover.

Please take comfort in knowing that all of America shares your sorrow. I did not know Michael, but I will honor his memory and keep him in my prayers.

My flag flies in his honor, and for all of our American heros.

We are the Land of the Free, Because of the Brave!

A proud mother of 2 Marines and widow of an Vietnam Army Ranger.

June 8, 2006

Rest in Peace..To his family and friends, he is always with you..always...



Sister of a Fallen Marine

J and T

ROBYN GARSIDE

June 8, 2006

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.



A PROUD MARINE MOM

Henryk Zaleski (LT,SC,USN-Ret)

June 8, 2006

Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.

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