William E. "Bill" Hooker, Jr., age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 He was born on June 3, 1950 in Terre Haute Indiana to William E. “Gene” and Alverna Mae (Gustin) Hooker.

On October 20, 1984 he married the love of his life, Melissa Ellis. They were truly devoted to each other throughout their marriage.

Bill was a 1968 graduate of Gerstmeyer High School in Terre Haute. He furthered his education at Ivy Tech Vocational College majoring in Electronics. He was member of the first graduating class of Ivy Tech. Bill worked at Great Scot Supermarkets until 1984. He was a Prudential Agent in Terre Haute before moving to Linton and becoming an American Family Agent for the past 32 years. He had a LUTCF designation. As an American Family Agent he received many awards and achievements.

He was a member of Faithway Bible Church. Bill accepted the Lord on May 27, 1986.

Bill loved the game of baseball and was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. During his younger days, he was a fast pitcher soft ball pitcher. He enjoyed cruising on "The Bash". He was a fan of Indiana Hoosiers basketball and football. He was a lifetime fan of the Green Bay Packers. He was a muscle car enthusiast - dearly enjoying his 1965 GTO and many other muscle cars he owned in the past. He was a true Audio File. He loved music and was capable of reciting which year a song was released and what album it was released on and what he doing the first time he heard it. He enjoyed going to concerts throughout his life. He enjoyed woodworking and “tinkering” in his garage/yard/house. He was a “perfectionist” to say the least. He was very passionate about WWII history - due to his father being a WWII hero. His newest hobby was building model trains with his grandson. He enjoyed hosting get togethers especially Christmas. He loved all his son’s friends and grandson’s friends like they were his own. He thoroughly loved watching his grandson play baseball and was so incredibly proud of him. His grandson was the joy of his life. His favorite memories are from trips to St. Louis, The Smoky Mountains, and French Lick with his grandson. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a beloved husband, dad, papaw, uncle, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed by his wife, son, grandson, family, friends, and clients.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Melissa S. (Ellis) Hooker; his son, William E. Hooker, III; grandson, William Evan David Hooker; His sisters, Karen Hooker, Linda Hooker, and Debbie Grayless and her husband, Ed. Nieces Kim Birchman and her husband Mike, Tiffany Trout and her husband Tommy, Megan Grayless. Double cousin Jan and her husband Chuck. His bonus family Connie Ellis, Penny Dowell and her husband Terry, Paul Ellis and his wife Fifi, Tammy Davenport and her husband Dan. His bonus nephews and nieces Travis Dowell and his wife April, Matt Dowell and his wife Jessica, Nicole Vickers, Cari Ellis, Tricia Robinson and her husband Aaron, Tim Ellis, Keith Ellis and his wife Kristin. Daniel Davenport and his wife Jessica and Haylie Davenport. He is survived by numerous great nephews and nieces whom he loved and enjoyed. Mike Greene, Kevin McCombs and Bob Hazlewood whom he considered brothers and numerous lifelong friends that he loved dearly and cherished their friendships.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Alverna Hooker. His father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Lucille Ellis. Brother-in-law, Mike Ellis and brother-in-law, Bennie Ellis.

Visitation will be held at Welch and Cornett Funeral Home in Linton IN on Thursday November 7 from 4 to 8 and on Friday from 11 till the time of service at 1:00pm

Funeral service will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 8, 2024 with Pastor Terry Dowell officiating.

Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Linton.

Memorial contributions may be given to Wounded Warriors, Samaritan's Purse, or Linton Boy’s Baseball League through the funeral home.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Bill''s family at www.welchcornett.com.