Ed Hooker

Edward L. 'Ed' Hooker, age 89 of Lima, passed at 3:03 p.m., Sunday, November 16, 2025 at St. Rita's Mercy Health. He was born March 1, 1936 in Haviland, Ohio to the late Joseph Clifford and Hulda Christina Theresa Bartels Hooker. On June 24, 1962 he married Mary Jane Reinhart, who passed February 27, 2020.
Ed was a devoted family man and a proud U.S. Army Veteran. He retired as a warehouse foreman with DYM Industrial Insulation.
A lifetime member of Bethlehem Tabernacle Church in Lima, Ed was an avid churchgoer whose faith was foundational to his life. He found joy and purpose in being part of his church family and serving where he was needed.
From a young age, he developed a passion for woodworking while working alongside his father. His father was right-handed and Ed was left-handed, a pairing that made them the perfect team-able to reach tight spaces and complete projects with ease. This early love for carpentry stayed with him throughout his life. He maintained a woodshop at home where he spent countless hours crafting and simply enjoying the satisfaction of working with his hands.
In his younger years, he also enjoyed fishing. Known for his warm personality, he had a great sense of humor sprinkled with just the right amount of ornery charm that endeared him to everyone who knew him.
He is survived by 2 daughters – April (Paul) Pellegrini of Lima; Tiffanie (Robert) Barnes of Cape Coral, FL; 5 grandchildren – Trevor Pellegrini; Heather Pellegrini; Conrad Barnes; Isabella Barnes; Xander Barnes; 5 great grandchildren with one on the way.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter – Mindy Pellegrini Vondeylen; 2 brothers – Harlan Hooker; Bud Hooker; 3 sisters – Florence Boroff; Christina Johns; and Teresea Akom.
Funeral services will begin 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 24, 2025 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. Pastor Matthias Snodderly will officiate. Burial will follow in Shawnee Cemetery where military rites will be observed by V.F.W. Post 1275 of Lima.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 23, 2025 at the funeral home and an hour prior to services Monday.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Bethlehem Tabernacle Church.