John Hook

John H. Hook, 86, of Danville, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 4:30 am, Friday, August 21, 2009, after a brief illness. He was a resident of Hawthorne Inn in Danville, IL. John was born March 10, 1923, in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Cecil and Edith (Thresh) Hook. Although born in Pennsylvania, his family moved to Florida when he was an infant and he always considered himself a Florida boy. John married Martha Ellen Silsby in January 1950, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. They were later divorced. Survivors include two daughters, Ann Irene (Stanley) Grubb of Danville and Edith Ellen (Leo) Yakutis of Charlotte, N.C., one brother, LTC Ralph S. (Barbara) Hook of Rutgers, Florida, two grandchildren, Robert (Jennifer) Grubb of Indianapolis, IN., and Nicholas Wiseman of Charlotte, NC, and one great-grandchild, the apple of his eye, Stinna Grubb. His parents and one sister, Grace Irene, preceded him in death. John received his Masters Degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving as a Pharmacist Mate on a hospital ship in the Pacific during World War II and later during the Korean War. John was a chemist for Dupont and held several patents, including one for a safety switch on a Mercury rocket. John enjoyed helping others and volunteering. He was twice named Volunteer of the Year for his civic volunteerism while living in Victoria, Texas. John enjoyed traveling with his family, photography, classical music, opera, sailing, and was a Master Duplicate Bridge player. He was well known for his dry sense of humor and his zest for living. He truly loved meeting people from all walks of life. Per Johns wishes, cremation will be accorded. A Celebration of Life memorial service for John will be held at 4:30 pm, Tues, August 25, 2009, at Second Church of Christ, 3300 East Vorhees Street with Drew Mentzer officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Second Church of Christ. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com