ERIC RICHARD “Rick” HOOKER
20 June 1946 – 9 October 2006
Rick & his Father 1970
Rick was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to William Wightman Hooker Jr. and Avis Adelaide Herrington Hooker on June 20, 1946. He had an older brother, William Wightman Hooker III who predeceased him (1943-2003) and a sister Mary Hooker Tong.
Rick married Lola Kathleen Francis Hooker (1948-2013) on June 13, 1970 at her parent’s home in Mount Pleasant, MI upon returning from Viet Nam. Rick worked for State Farm Insurance for 34 years prior to his death. He grew up in Wayland, Mich., then lived in Bloomington, Ill., Santa Rosa and Sutter Creek, Calif., before ultimately landing in Oregon in 2005. Rick passed at the age of 60, in Clackamas, OR as a result of Multiple Myeloma. Rick and his wife Lola gave life to a daughter Amy Hooker Watson, who together with her husband Dan Watson gave him two wonderful grandchildren Levi and Mariah Watson. Rick and Lola, additionally, found great pleasure in time spent with their niece Jennie Tong.
Rick was called to enlist 2 Oct 1968 and never hesitated to serve his country. He served, as a volunteer, in Viet Nam with Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Infantry Division in the Central Highlands. Rick rose to the rank of Sgt, eventually becoming a Ranger team leader. He earned and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge as well as other awards and decorations while a member of the unit. Rick was honorably discharged upon returning from Viet Nam on July 17, 1970. The men of K Co., 75th Rangers and the generations of Rangers who follow will forever hold him in high regard and be grateful for having had the opportunity to serve with this Ranger.
“RANGERS LEAD THE WAY”
“RANGERS LEAD THE WAY”