Zachary Hooker

ZACHARY HOOKER Zachary 'Taylor' Hooker, age 92, of Griggsville, IL, went to be with the LORD Sunday, September 14, 2025. He was born February 7, 1933, in Livingston County, MO, to Wallace T. and Edna Marie Case Hooker. He married Marjorie Mitts on October 3, 1958, and she survives. Also surviving are three children, Lisa (Mark) Isham of Pittsfield, IL, Christina Wassell of Pittsfield, IL, and Ryan (Jeanette) Hooker of Douglasville, GA. Surviving grandchildren are Jamie (Lisa) Hooker, Derek (Brittney) Hooker, Matthew Wassell, and Bradley (Callie) Wassell; and six great grandchildren, Zak, Jacob, and Matthew Hooker, Avanna Hooker, and twins, Hannah and Sadie Wassell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Edna Hooker; sisters, Mildred Rensch, Dixie Bohn, and Mary Thompson; brothers, Dr. Raymond Hooker, Wesley Hooker, who was lost at sea, and Charles Hooker; and grandchildren, Jessica Wassell and twins, Lucas and Emily Wassell. Mr. Hooker was a graduate of Chillicothe High School and the University of Missouri College of Agriculture. He served in the US Army after WWII and was stationed in Austria. He served there with the Army of Occupation. In his own words, he "had an enjoyable experience while serving in the military". He was stationed in Salzburg, Austria, where 'The Sound of Music' was filmed; it was the Land of the Schonelandschaft (beautiful landscape). Within a few kilometers of our camp was the infamous crematorium 'Dachau', a startling sight where visitors could see something one should never forget." He returned home to live and work on the family farm. He was a grain and livestock farmer, having developed an SPF swine herd. He improved his herd by using tested breeding stock from Iowa State University. He later became involved in Industrial and Agricultural sales, retiring from John Deere after twenty years of service. After his retirement, he became a volunteer, visiting nursing facilities and long-term care facilities. He helped establish the Pike County All Wars Museum in Pittsfield. He served as a Church Treasurer and Trustee for 18 years and served several terms on the Chula Farmers Elevator Board. He was a longtime Gideon and held several offices there. His involvement with the Church and Gideons allowed him the opportunity to serve a Lord he loved. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, doing everything from nature walks to watching them play sports. He was a serious reader and enjoyed the classics. His heartfelt sentiment was that, "I have been blessed with a good family and friends. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL, with visitation held prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Graveside service and interment will be at 11:30 AM, Monday, September 22, 2025, at May Cemetery in Chula, MO. Memorials are suggested to be made to May Cemetery or Pike County All Wars Museum. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.