Robert L. Hooker, retired marketing professional and pilot, died on Sunday, November 27 in Wooster, Ohio. He was 79 years of age.
Robert, who went by the name of Bob, was born on March 24, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri to Ruth Molinar and Eugene Moore Hooker. He graduated from Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, New York in 1961. As a member of Denison University Class of 1965, he joined Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. While at Denison, he worked to become an instrument and commercial-rated, twin-engine, flight instructor. He earned a master of business administration degree (MBA) from The Wharton School of Finance and Commerce of The University of Pennsylvania in 1967.
On May 27, 1967, he married his Denison sweetheart, Elizabeth Stockton Hunt, a speech and hearing pathologist. Bob worked for IBM (International Business Machines), first in New York City and then in Columbus, Ohio, during an era in which the company dominated the computer market. After moving to Wooster in 1969, he worked for Rubbermaid and The Wooster Brush Company and served on various boards in the Wooster community including First Presbyterian Church and the YMCA. He was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Wooster. Throughout his lifetime he was an automotive and aviation enthusiast.
Bob will be remembered by his family for his generosity, affable nature, and good humor. In addition to his spouse, he is survived by their children, Mary Catharine Stockton of Wooster and Scott Hunt Hooker of Hudson, Ohio. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Jeffrey Walter Perkins, and grandchildren Scott Walter Perkins, Elizabeth Stockton Perkins, Henry Robert Perkins, Charlotte Frances Hooker, and Andrew Scott Hooker. He was preceded in death by a grandson, James Hamilton Perkins.
His family will hold a private memorial service to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Scott Family Scholarship at The College of Wooster, 1189 Beall Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691.
I am so sad for The Hooker and Perkins families with the loss of their special Dad and Grandpa. He was always smiling and fun to be around with his little comments of humor. He left his mark in the community. Now he is in a safe and better place.
So sorry to see Bob’s passing. I worked in the offices of The Wooster Brush Company in the 80’s and Bob was always so friendly, energetic and had a great smile. My condolences to all the family.
Julie (Rice) Nolletti
Bob was a great guy and with a great sense of humor. . I have known Bob for over 40 years. What a great water skier. I remember one time on his boat , he demonstrated his skills by water skiing on an oar.
When we swam laps together, Barth Smith and I remember swimming a segment with Bob in what we fondly called the “Hooker 1000”
Special note: Bob was the first person to ever water ski in Christmas Run Pool.
Bob’s family is special.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Elizabeth, Mary, Scott and the rest of the extended family including the gradchildren.
Chuck Malta and Kathy Gallo
My prayers to the family, and all the memories of a very kind family.
Dear Elizabeth, Mary, Scott and other family members
Laurie and I were saddened to hear about Bob, he was an intelligent and friendly soul. My first encounter with Bob was when I started swimming again after 20 years at the old 4 lane 20 yard Woodland YMCA pool. The man with a snorkel, mask and flippers and a friendly and goofy smile when he came up for air. I remember doing the Hooker 1000 which was a lot for this newbie in a 20 yard pool, flip, flip, flip. He offered to let me try the mask and snorkel. Bob asked me fifty questions and remembered all my answers. He was kind as well as quick witted.
It is always sad to lose someone in the family and community who has had such a positive presence.
Blessings to all of you,
Laurie and Jonathan Harvey