COLUMBUS
Mr. Ronald “Ron” L. Hooker, 82, of Columbus, died Friday, March 9, 2018 in Columbus following a five-year illness.
Ron was born September 18, 1935, in Miami, Florida, to John Hollis Hooker and Ruby (Morris) Hooker.
He graduated from Columbus High School in 1953 and served two years in the United States Army. He then attended Indiana University on a G.I. Bill.
Ron was a developer/builder of custom built homes in Columbus, Indiana, primarily in Riverview Acres.
After retiring, Ron was an avid boater with his 1956 North American Marine called “Sugar Loaf-1” where he spent many years on Grandview Lake with his family. He attended many classic wooden boat shows, winning countless top honors.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane “Punky” Hooker; his children, Ron Jr. (April) Hooker, Jaclyn Hooker Gatesy, and Thomas (Lindsey) Hooker; sisters, Marjorie Jean (Tommy) Whitehead and Carol Lee (Kenny) Hundley. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Kyle (Courtney) Gatesy, Dakota Hooker, Michael Hooker, Matthew Gatesy (fiancee-Gloria), Courtney Hooker (fiance-Ian), William Hooker, and Jackson Hooker; and one great-grandchild, Grace Catherine Gatesy.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Jack (Jeanne) Hooker, Ruby Jo Solomon, William “Bill” (Leah – living) Hooker, Ruth Ann (Bill) Meahan, and Jerry (Jan) Hooker.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with David Burnett officiating.
Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2018 at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to service time Tuesday.
Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery. Full military honors will be presented by the Indiana Army National Guard Honor Guard and the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Hooker family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
