Joseph Cass Van Dover

Joseph Cass Van Dover fell asleep in death at his home in Georgia on Saturday December 31, 2016. He was born April 19, 1939 in St. Louis County, MO. He was the son of the late James and Ruth Van Dover; the beloved husband of Linda J. Van Dover and dear father of Portia Lynn Howell (Adam) and the late Christian Van Dover and Joseph 'Jo Jo' C. Van Dover. He was the youngest brother of Mary Sue Wiesenburg, Katherine 'Sis' Lindsey, and the late James, Cleveland, Robert, Herbert, Jackson, Donald, Dorothy, and Thomas Van Dover. He was also the uncle, brother-in-law, and cousin to many more loved ones. As a young man Joe moved from Valley Park, Missouri to Southern California to live with his brother Herb and some friends, seeking the warmth of the sun and a new life. From there he later served a couple of years in the Army and then returned to California and married the love of his life, Linda Rivas on July 14, 1965. They enjoyed 51 1/2 years together in marriage. They were inseparable; working together, traveling often and dining out. After a brief stay working in Tulsa, OK in 1969 their twins, little Joe and Portia, arrived keeping them busy as a growing family. Six months later, work would relocate them to Georgia. Eventually, he and Linda together would run a successful automotive care business, Mighty Muffler & Brakes Inc., while Joe worked for Madison Industries. Joe started his career at Madison Industries in Los Angeles, CA in the late 1950's in the engineering department. He quickly moved from there into a sales position and then as sales manager. In the late 1960's he moved in to the Director of Sales for the entire corporation, in the early 1970's he moved from California to Conyers, Georgia and became the International Director of Sales for all plants across the United States. Joe travelled extensively for Madison, globe trotting across the world and calling on some of the world's largest petroleum corporations. Joe was not only a business associate but he was a friend to all that he met and he was respected in the industry that he loved for over 50 years! Joe enjoyed sharing his life's experiences with others. He never seemed to meet a stranger. He was a gifted speaker and story teller; talking on nearly any subject. He had a vibrant personality, a creative mind, and a quick wit. He loyally supported his family in all of their endeavors and would always respect their choices and religious beliefs. He will be deeply missed by all. A memorial service will be held for him on January 7th, 2017 at 10:00 AM (the visitation will start at 9:30 AM) at the Scot Ward Funeral Services at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens 699 American Legion Road Conyers, GA 30012 Phone: 770-483-7216 Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. A reception will follow the service at approximately 11:00 AM at the same location until 12:30 PM.

Joseph Cass Van Dover

April 19, 1939 - December 31, 2016