John R. Hooker

Cleveland, Ohio – John Hooker, 71, passed away on August 27, 2019.  He was born April 13, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Richard and Dorothy Hooker and graduated from New London High School in 1966. John proudly served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, Fox 2/7-WPNS Platoon and carried an M-60 Machine Gun in the Marine Infantry.  While in Vietnam, John was ambushed by a sniper, recovered and returned to Vietnam. Later, on March 27, 1968, with only 9 days left to serve, John was severely injured by “friendly fire”. From March of 1968 to October of 1971, John underwent 35 operations. He received two purple hearts. John was proud that he had the privilege of serving his country, proud that he served in Vietnam, and proud to have served with a bunch of wonderful “grunt Marines” who he called his “brothers”.  John earned diplomas for Jr. Accounting and Data Entry Specialist from Southeastern Business College, and worked in the field of data entry for 3 years. Later he worked for the Huron County Jail as a corrections officer from 1997 to 2005.  On November 21, 1981, John married his life partner Cindy, whom he referred to as the most giving and unselfish person he knew.  He was a life member of the American Legion, Amvets, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, 1st Marine Division, Vietnam Veterans of America, National Rifle Association, Mt. Vernon #64 – F&AM York Rite Bodies of Norwalk, Overseers of Widow Sons, and the Huron Lodge # 27 I.O.O.F. He is survived by his loving wife Cynthia S. Hooker of Norwalk, Ohio and by his son Thomas R. (Missy) Hooker of Delaware, Ohio.  Friends may call on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St. Norwalk, Ohio 44857, where services will be held at 6:00 p.m. to include Masonic and Military Services. Entombment will be privately held in Green Haven Memorial Gardens, Canfield, Ohio.  Memorial contributions may be made to Gary Sinise Foundation P.O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, California 91365. Online condolences may be expressed by going to www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.

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