Attica – William Pell 'Bill' VanHook age 82 of the rural Attica – Wingate area died following a short illness at 5:20 p.m. on December 29, 2010 in Clarian Arnett Hospital, Lafayette. He was born on the family farm, August 24, 1928 son of the late Clyde and Imogene Pell VanHook. He was married to Barbara Irvin in Wingate on December 30, 1948, they moved to the VanHook farm where Bill spent his entire life. Barb preceded him in death April 24, 2009.

Bill graduated from Richland Township High School and began farming fulltime. During the early years of their marriage, Bill worked the winter months off the farm to 'feed the kids'. First at Harrison Steel, Attica and then Fields John Deere in Lafayette. Bill, being an 'early riser ' was usually the first customer at the Spartan Inn in Wingate and knowing the girls disliked early mornings, he would greet them with good afternoon! Bill and Barbara spent over 30 years wintering in Lake Okeechobee, FL . He was able to spend several weeks there this winter before becoming ill and returning home. Bill and Barb also loved to dance and had belonged to various square dance clubs and traveled the midwest to various dance events. Bill loved to fish, travel and normally be seen in his pickup with his dog and constant companion 'Boss'.

Surviving are: a daughter Sharon F. (Husband Joseph) Dark of Crawfordsville. Three sons: Fred W. (wife Rhonda) VanHook of Lafayette, David R. (companion Kim Meyer) VanHook of Wingate, Hugh Barton (wife Tracy) VanHook of Lafayette. Sisters: Connie Chester and Gladys Haxton both of Lafayette and Donna Jackson of Stockwell. Two sisters- in-law: Frances Beardsley and Nancy (husband Joy) Hoskins both of Wingate, a half sister-in-law Merry Christine (husband Steve) Voliva of Crawfordsville. Nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and his dog Boss also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, daughter Patty VanHook, brother Warren VanHook.

The family will receive guests on Sunday January 2, 2011 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Family & Friends Funeral of Wingate. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2011 with Pastor Duane Mycroft officiating. Burial will follow in Wheeler Cemetery north of Wingate. Memorial contributions may best be directed to the Pleasant Hill United Church of Christ, Ladies Guild. Visit us online to leave a condolence at www.familyandfriendsfh.com

The entire VanHook family wish to extend to the staff of Clarian Arnett Hospital a gracious and humble 'thank you' for the wonderful care provided to 'Grandpa'! God Bless you all!