Thomas "Tommy" Van Hook

Bryant, Arkansas - Tommy Van Hook, 58, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Tommy was born in Tokyo, Japan on October 1, 1965 to Edsel Van Hook (Acorn, Kentucky) and Barbara Gravendieck (Wiesbaden, Germany)

Tommy was an adventurous soul who loved travel and storytelling. He found joy in nature, walking in the mountains and forests. His passion for sharing his thoughts led him to spend many years as a pagan podcaster, exploring life, spirituality, and writing. After retiring from podcasting, he continued to share his journey through life on his blog. Tommy cherished planning and embarking on long road trips with his wife Pam, exploring many states, baseball stadiums, and national parks. Their adventures also took them to Scotland, England, France, Ireland, and Iceland. When he wasn't watching the Cincinnati Reds play baseball, he enjoyed reading, writing, or spending time with his beloved cats.

A proud veteran, Tommy served in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1994, specializing in cryptography while working in Command and Control. He bravely participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, where he sustained injuries during the ground war. His military career concluded at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Tommy's professional journey revolved around his love for technology. He worked in IT support and disaster recovery after leaving the Air Force, later transitioning to teaching Information Technology classes at North Central Texas College. His expertise in problem-solving and troubleshooting was evident in his work with organizations such as the Art Institute of Dallas and NCTC.

In his leisure time, Tommy enjoyed following Cincinnati Reds baseball, traveling, road trips, writing, playing Pokemon Go, delving into baseball statistics, and most of all, finding joy in nature and life.

Tommy is survived by his devoted wife Pamela Van Hook, stepchildren Vivian Wilbanks and Geraden Wilbanks, daugther-in-law Hayley Cogley, grandson Finn Cogley-Wilbanks, son Corey Van Hook, granddaughter Harper Van Hook, sister Tanja Foil, mother-in-law Bessie Hayward, sister-in-law Paula Hayward, nephews, nieces, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Edsel and Barbara Van Hook and father-in-law Bill Hayward.

Rest in peace, Tommy. Your kindness, wisdom, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you.