John Arthur Hooker, 71, of Kewanee, Ill. passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Ill. with his family by his side.

He was born on August 23, 1954, in Princeton, Ill. to Arthur and Betty (Murphy) Hooker. John graduated from Kewanee High School – the class of 1972. He married Patricia Olson on November 16, 1974, in Kewanee.

John is survived by his wife, Pat, and they were married for 51 and a half years. Also surviving is his daughter, Rachael (Zach) Myers of Chillicothe, Ill. and one granddaughter, Lauren Myers. He is survived by his brother, Jerry (Dianna) Hooker of Dixon, Ill., two sisters-in-law, Barbara Madsen of Willmar, Minn. and Beverly Hooker of Tiskilwa, Ill. and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, oldest brother, Jack, his sister, Glynnia, his son, Jason Allan and many dear friends, especially his best friend, Leo Swearingen.

John was employed by John Deere Harvester for 34 years. He loved being outdoors and for many years he enjoyed camping at Johnson’s Lake. He loved a good fire, a cold beer and being surrounded by people he cared about. He had a laugh that you couldn't help but join in on. He enjoyed his monthly poker games – win or lose, it didn’t matter. He loved going to Ruby’s to try his luck. His greatest joy was spending time with his granddaughter, he could never say no to her and she knew it. She meant the world to him.

Most recently he had worked for Meals on Wheels, delivering to senior citizens. He enjoyed helping others. That’s who he was, always lending a hand.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 16 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Pastor Haley Hausman officiating. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. The burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Kewanee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed for a college education fund for his granddaughter, Lauren. His deepest sadness was not being able to be present at his granddaughter's high school graduation.