Veteran-World War II

Blair native Leo G. Hooks, 88, died Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006, at Logan Valley Manor in Lyons.

A memorial service was held Sunday, Nov. 12, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons. Military honors were provided by Robert Klase VFW Post No. 7998 and American Legion Post NO. 83.

Leo G. Hooks was born April 18, 1918, in rural Blair, to John S. and Bertha J. (Jacobson) Hooks.

He attended country school, and graduated from Blair High School in 1936. He loved playing football for Blair and even played against Lyons.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged Oct. 30, 1945. He was a liason pilot and loved to fly.

On August 22, 1945, he was united in marriage to Loraine Jensen in Omaha. They celebrated their 61st anniversary this year.

He was employed with the Soil Conservation Service in Burt County and retired on Jan. 19, 1979. Following his retirement, he continued to work for the Natural Resource District.

He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons, where he served as a deacon and an elder. He was a Past Master of Pilot Lodge No. 208, A.F & A.M. and also joined the Yorkrite and Tangiers Shrine. He was a past Associate Guardian for Job's Daughters, Bethel No. 72, Past Worthy Patron for Esther Chapter No. 208, OES. He was also a life member of the VFW Post.

His hobbies included anything to do with the outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping, sports, gardening and yardwork. He loved people and especially enjoyed his one and only grandson.

Survivors include his wife, Loraine, of Lyons; daughter, Melissa A. Johnson of Omaha; one grandson; and a sister, Margie (Mrs. Jim) Perry of Port Charlotte, Fla.

He was prededed in death by a brother, Ray Hooks.

Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, Lyons, Lyons Community Foundation and the Lyons Public Library.

Pelan Funeral Home in Lyons was in charge of arrangements.

#2- - published in Omaha World Herald on 11 November 2006

HOOKS-Leo G., 88 yrs., Lyons, NE. Captain US Army (Ret.) WWII Pilot, South Pacific; Retired Soil Conservation Service. Preceded by parents; brother, Ray. Survived by loving wife, Loraine (Jensen), Lyons; daughter, Melissa (Hooks) Johnson, Omaha, NE; grandson, Soren Johnson, Omaha; sister, Margie (Jim) Perry, Port Charlotte, FL.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006, 2:00 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Lyons. MILITARY HONORS; Robert Klase VFW Post No. 7998, American Legion Post No. 83.

MEMORIALS: First Presbyterian Church, Lyons Community Foundation and the Lyons Public Library.

Pelan Funeral Services, Lyons, Nebraska 402-687-2644

www.pelanfuneralservices.com