Dr. Edward Jeffrey "Jeff" Hooton

Edward Jeffrey Hooton, known to most as Jeff, passed away on September 24, 2025, while on a salmon fishing trip in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park. He was 77.

Jeff was born July 16, 1948, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Charlotte and Ed Hooton. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Belinda; daughters Babbette Burgess (Todd), Sage Braddock (Jim), Maurie Cattafi (Albert), and Ainslea Hooton (Kyle Snellenberger); grandchildren Reed Adcock and Albert and Margot Cattafi; and sisters Irene Talley, Lorraine Walsh, and Carol Mead. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Ruth Hooton, sister Barbara “Bugsy” Lombard, and brothers-in-law Pete Walsh and Bob Mead.

Jeff was a devoted husband to Belinda, his lifelong partner in love and adventure. Together they fostered a home full of love, sharing trip plans, inside jokes, and late-night movies. As a father, Jeff was a protector, encourager, and proud supporter of his four daughters. His love for his girls was unwavering, and he took great pride in being their steady foundation through every stage of life. He carried on this same devotion as Uncle Jeff and as Papa, from walking nieces down the aisle on their wedding days to cheering at soccer games and applauding at dance recitals for his grandchildren.

Jeff graduated from Northeast Louisiana University and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 1984. A respected leader in his profession, he served as president of the Northeast Louisiana Dental Association (NELDA) in 1992, later serving on the Louisiana Dental Services board, the Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) Council of Government Affairs, and the LDA Board of Directors, where he served as president from 2012 to 2013. He represented Louisiana at the American Dental Association House of Delegates and was recognized with the NELDA Member of the Year award in 1997, as well as the LDA Distinguished Service Award and Humanitarian Award in 2014. He also served as state chair of the Louisiana Dental Political Action Committee.

Before his career in dentistry, Jeff served his country in the United States Army, completing two tours in Vietnam and receiving the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Valorous Unit Award. He later combined his professional skills and heart for service as founder of the Trinity Episcopal Church Central America Dental Team, serving on mission trips in Honduras and Nicaragua for more than two decades.

At his dental practice in Monroe, Jeff cared deeply for both his employees and patients. To him, they were more than colleagues and clients; they were family. He built a workplace grounded in loyalty, laughter, and respect, and he was especially proud of the many long-tenured staff who stood by his side for decades. Jeff cherished the trust his patients placed in him, often treating multiple generations within the same family. To show his gratitude, he welcomed his team and their families into his home each year for Christmas celebrations, a tradition that reflected his belief that dentistry was not just a profession but a community built on relationships.

Beyond his many professional and service achievements, Jeff was a man full of life and love. He cherished his family above all, raising four daughters who kept him constantly involved in their

adventures, from birthday bashes and beach trips to football watch parties and pool days. Known and loved by their friends, Jeff always made others feel like part of the Hooton family. He deeply valued his sisters and their families, stepping in with love and support wherever he was needed.

An avid scuba diver and lifelong adventurer, Jeff enjoyed exploring the world, most recently sharing a two-week camper trip with Belinda through national parks. He was also a beloved member of Moore’s gym, where he built lasting friendships.

Jeff lived with a deep sense of purpose, humor, and generosity. In remembering him, his family finds comfort in these lyrics from The Bronx:

“And when I die before my time, please know my body gave up before my mind.”

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Monroe, with The Very Rev. Joseph Martina, Jr. officiating, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe. A celebration of Life will be held following the service at 11:30 A.M. at Planter’s Gastropub, which is located above Restaurant Cotton, 101 N. Grand St., Monroe, LA 71201.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center, 220 E. Oak St., Ponchatoula, LA 70454.