Obituaries

December 27, 1930 to September 13, 2020

WINGATE - Ronald Dean Hooker, 89 of Francesville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in his home at 6:25 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13.

The youngest of eight children, he was born Dec. 27, 1930 to Otto and Julia Grock Hooker. He spent most of his life in the Francesville/Medaryville communities, outside of his time in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952-1954. He was a 1948 graduate of Francesville High School.

He married Ruth (born Lillian Ruth Bartley) Stevens on Feb. 10, 1952 in Independence Methodist Church in rural Gillam Township in Jasper County. They were married 53 years and had three children: Wallace “Wally,” Michael and Julie. Ruth passed away March 22, 2005 and son Michael died Nov. 26, 2018.  

Following Mr. Hooker’s discharge from the Marines, he began farming with his father, later taking over and farming for nearly 50 years. He had been a member of the former Independence Methodist Church, The Francesville UMC, and belonged to St. James United Church of Christ.

He married Lois Vollmer on Feb. 26, 2006, in St. James UCC and was blessed with a second wonderful marriage and gained an incredible “bonus family.”

Surviving along with his wife Lois are his son, Wallace (Janet) Hooker of rural Attica, daughter Julie Soplanda of Avon, and daughter-in-law Stephanie Hooker of Shelburn.  Also stepsons Scott (Cathy) Vollmer of Francesville and Joe Vollmer of Rochester; grandchildren Emily (Tim) Myers, Kyle (Stacey) Hooker, Seth (Brandi) Hooker, Kirk (Amberlee) Hooker, Chelsey (Chandler) Manns, Tyler Soplanda, Tate Hooker, Summer Pellegrino and Madison Hooker; bonus grandchildren Nick (Adrienne) Vollmer, Lindley (Adam) Laposi and Caity (James) Robinson; 17 great-grandchildren; and one ornery brother Harold. 

He was also preceded by his parents, brothers Lamoine, Raymond, Paul and sisters Blanche, Opal and Annabelle, and step-granddaughter “Little Lois.”

Following retirement Mr. Hooker enjoyed ‘road farming’ with Lois, keeping an eye on how the boys were doing farming, while listening to Eddie Arnold and The Statler Brothers. He liked tinkering in his garden, garage and spending time ‘whistling’ while cheering on his grandchildren at their various activities. There was never a more fierce protector of his family, especially his granddaughters than Ron. He loved family gatherings, going to ‘the boat’ gambling and eating at the Whistle Stop. He liked joking … with anyone, including complete strangers, which lead to many interesting situations.  His heart was huge, and if you knew him, you probably knew exactly how you stood with him. The world lost a loveable, colorful rascal.   

Please note: For safety and convenience, services will be held at Meadow Springs, located at 8631 US 421 Francesville, IN  47946 (Intersection of US 421 and SR 114). Visitation hours are 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, and 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Friday with Pastor Dennis Gutwein (a long time friend and neighbor) and Pastor Nelda Seger officiating. Burial will be at Independence Cemetery. Guests are reminded to follow the COVID-19 recommendations of the Indiana State Board of Health.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may best be directed to the St. James UCC or the Indiana Education Foundation of The Indiana Funeral Directors Association. Envelopes will be available at the services.

To sign the guest book or share a memory, visit www.familyandfriendsfh.com  

Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, and colleagues of Wally, are entrusted with arrangements.