Obituaries

Harold W. Hooker

May 22, 1923 to August 10, 2021

WINGATE - Harold Wayne Hooker, 98, passed away peacefully at 11:16 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 10, at his home. He was among the last of the “Greatest Generation” in Francesville.

He was born May 22, 1923, on the farm near Francesville, the son of the late Otto G. and Julie Grock Hooker. He was one of eight children. He married Mary L. Robinson on Oct. 17, 1943 in Monticello. She preceded him in death March 26, 2018.

Harold Hooker

Surviving are daughter, Connie Sullivan of Ridgeville, IN; Daughter-in-law, Laura ‘Sam’ Hooker of Brookston; Grandchildren Kimberly (Brian) Bader, Carrie Sullivan, Mike Sullivan, Neal Hooker, Chad (Kati) Hooker; Great-grandchildren, Brazen Bader, Aydan Bader, Cooper Spencer, Cole Hooker; and sister-in-law Lois Vollmer Hooker. Several nieces and nephews also survive, as well as a community who will miss this “colorful character.”

He was preceded in death by son Ed, sisters Blanche, Opal and Annabelle, brothers Raymond and Paul who both died as young boys, and Lamoine and Ronald.

Mr. Hooker graduated from Francesville High School and helped on the family farm, until enlisting in the U.S. Navy. During World War II he served aboard the USS Randall. Following his discharge he and Mary moved to a 320-acre farm west of Francesville, in Gillam Township, where they remained until retirement. He kept a well-manicured farmstead, roadsides and equipment. His rows were straight and weed-free. Neighbors and an ornery nephew would often pull weeds or corn and stick them in Harold’s perfectly clean soybeans to see how long it took him to find it and remove it. He enjoyed farming and from time to time worked with neighbors during harvest. It was said by one of the wives who observed, “I didn’t know the guys could have so much fun farming.”

Mr. Hooker always had a gleam in his eye, an ornery grin and was ready to drink coffee with the guys and share stories. After retirement, he was one of the first to arrive at the fertilizer plant each morning to have coffee ready for the crew. He enjoyed guns, hunting, and in the summer you could often find him on “community groundhog patrol” along the ditch banks.

An informal gathering of family and friends to remember and celebrate Harold’s life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 22, at the Meadow Springs Event Center, 8631 U.S. 421, Francesville (intersection of U.S. 421 and SR 114). Private family inurnment will take place at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be directed to Riley Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children’s Hospital for Research or, First Christian Church Youth Group.

Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting the family. Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guestbook or share a memory.

Ellsworth L. Malchow

August 21, 1930 to August 5, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Ellsworth Leroy Malchow, 90, of Vinemont, Alabama, formerly of Francesville, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 5, at his residence.

He was born on Aug. 21, 1930 in Winamac, to the late Kenneth and Sylvia B. Markley Malchow. He was previously married to Nona Malchow-Orr who preceded him in death.

Ellsworth Malchow

He is survived by:
Robert Malchow, Lafayette, Son
Rodney (Karen) Malchow, Cookville, Son
Nona Hollenbaugh, Mooresville, NC, Daughter
Gina Leman, Indianapolis, Daughter
17 Grandchildren
17 Great-Grandchildren
Phyllis Anliker, Sister
Lynette (Larry) Miller, Sister
Charles (Jackie) Malchow, Brother
Evelyn Malchow, Sister-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Jean Tagliaferri, Sister
Mary Poisel, Sister
George Malchow, Brother

Mr. Malchow graduated from Francesville High School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight mechanic during the Korean War. He was the postmaster in Francesville and Winamac for 25 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0228. Along with his postal duties, he farmed over 500 acres, raised livestock, built two homes, helped with the chickens, mowed lawns in Florida and Alabama, managed rental properties, worked at Bryans Mfg, IGA, Wilco, Publix, Malco Produce, Avon Car Wash and was a volunteer Aldi coin collector.

In his spare time, Mr. Malchow volunteered with the Francesville Fall Festival Committee, Boy Scouts of America, and the Francesville Alumni. He enjoyed cooking, sharing his recipes with his customers, baking (making special desserts for the grandchildren), gardening, playing cards, fishing, hunting (the time with his brother George a little eventful), and enjoying social events. Recently, he enjoyed spending time with the Hee Haw gang and the Cullman Senior Center. Even though he was busy, he still found time to take trips to visit his children, grandchildren and their families. We know he would say “job well done” to his family and especially to his grandson, Eric, allowing him to leave this world in peace.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to: Hospice of Cullman County, PO Box 1108,Cullman, AL 35056–1108.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.