Robert A. Hooker, 78, died Dec. 31, 2006, at the Hospice House, Hutchinson.

He was born Feb. 9, 1928, in Winona, the son of Robert B. and Estella M. Thouvenell Hooker. He was a 1946 graduate of Winona High School, a 1951 graduate of Fort Hays State University, with a degree in math and science, and had attended Wichita State University. A resident of Hutchinson since 2004, formerly of Oakley, he was a draftsman and engineer for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita before purchasing the Chevrolet-Oldsmobile Dealership in Oakley in 1962.

He belonged to First United Methodist Church, of Hutchinson and Oakley, was on the board of directors for the Farmers State Bank of Oakley for 18 years, was a member Oakley Masonic Lodge No. 253, Oakley Shriners, served on Oakley City Council, past commander of the Oakley Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was a charter member of the Oakley Trap Club. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy.

On Feb. 9, 1952, he married Phyllis J Gales. She survives.

Other survivors include: three sons, Robert and wife, Taronda, Hutchinson, Breck, Hays, and Paul and wife, Leanne, Spring Hill; a sister, Mary Carlson and husband, Kendall, Assaria; and five grandchildren, Garrett, Jonathan, Sarah, Matthew and Jake.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, with Chaplain Frederick J. Obold presiding. Visitation is from 4 to 9 p.m. today and 9 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Graveside rites and honors conducted by the Hutchinson-Reno Masonic Lodge No. 124, A.F. and A.M. and the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be sent to Lewy Body Dementia Association, Hospice of Reno County or First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson or Oakley, in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.