Francesville – Harold Wayne Hooker, age 98, passed away peacefully in his home at 11:16 PM Tuesday, August 10, 2021.  Harold was the last of the 'Greatest Generation' in Francesville.  He was born on the farm near Francesville, May 22, 1923 son of the late Otto G. and Julie Grock Hooker. He was one of  eight children.  He married Mary L. Robinson in Monticello, October 17, 1943 and she preceded him in death March 26, 2018.

Harold graduated from Francesville High School and helped on the family farm, until enlisting in the US Navy.  During WW 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.  Harold 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 said,  "I didn't know the guys could have so much fun farming".

Harold always had a gleam in his eye, an ornery grin and ready to drink coffee with the guys and share stories.  After retirement, he would be 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.

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, 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 his wife Mary, son Ed, parents, sisters; Blanche, Opal and Annabelle, brothers; Raymond & Paul who both died as young boys, Lamoine and Ronald.

An informal 'gathering' of family and friends to remember and celebrate Harold's life will be held 2:00 – 5:00 PM Sunday, August 22, 2021 at the Meadow Springs Event Center, 8631 US Hwy 421, Francesville (intersection of US 421/Hwy 114).  Private family inurnment will take place in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.  Memorial contributions 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.