Lifelong Wayland resident, WHS grad Tom Hooker dies

Tom Hooker, a 1966 graduate of Wayland High School and lifelong local resident, died at his home Tuesday, Sept. 26. He was 69.

He was born Aug. 27, 1948, in Allegan, Michigan the son to Halden and Ardis (Anderson) Hooker.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ardith Hooker; his children Matthew (Stephenie Cheyne) Hooker; grandchildren Regina and Hunter Hooker, Morgan Hewartson and Kendra VanKoevering; brother, Ted (Lynette) Hooker; step-brother, Nelson (Dianah) Multer; brother and sister-in-law Tom (Cathy) Feltenbarger and Carol Brinks many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

Tom worked for Bay Valley Foods for 46 years, retiring in 2012. He loved sports and helped coach boys’ baseball when his sons were young. He was also an avid University of Michigan football fan. Tom grew up on Gun Lake boating and waterskiing. He later bought the family cottage where he loved spending time with his family and many friends.

A time to meet with Tom’s family will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sep. 29, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home – Dorr Chapel, 4330 18th St.  Funeral Services for Tom will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the funeral home, with visitation prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County.

The family welcomes messages and memories in their online guestbook at www.kubiakcook.com

3 Comments

  1. Free Market Man

    It is with deep sadness I write this. I’ve known the family my whole life and love and admire them. Tom was a very special person. My condolences to the entire family.

  2. Bob Moras

    Remember Tom well. May he rest in Peace.

  3. Jill Wilde Scheel

    I remember Tom as a friend and classmate. Everyone liked Tom; he was a good person raised by good parents.
    My sincere condolences to Toms wife and family. RIP Tom

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