Wilmer Donald "Don" Vanhook

Wilmer Donald “Don” Vanhook, 100 years young, passed peacefully in his sleep at home in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. He was born in London, Kentucky in 1925, the son of the late Wesley Dewey Vanhook and Nora Johnson Vanhook. Don attended Hazel Green High School in Hazel Green, Kentucky. He worked at a munitions factory at the start of World War II, then joined the Army Air Corps (Air Force) in 1943, serving as a waist gunner on a B-17 in England, receiving several medals and a letter of commendation for his role in the lead plane in the mission at Pirna, Germany, on the Nazi’s main rail yard, effectively ending the war. Don spent his career as an over-the-road driver for several companies and later as a tour bus driver. He especially loved the experiences of meeting new people and taking them to all sorts of destinations. 

A simple obituary cannot fully cover Don’s life, but it serves as a tribute to a man who was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. Don’s life story is a vivid picture of dedication and service, leaving others inspired by his personal kindness. Don loved his family, whether by blood or circumstances. His faith and church family was deeply rooted in the relationships that shaped his legacy. Don was married to the love of his life, the late Georgia May Hicks Vanhook for 65 years until her passing in 2012.  In addition to his beloved wife, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Keith Vanhook and Charles Vanhook; and his sister, Jewel Vanhook Sergeant.

Don is survived by his son, Donald Vanhook (Phyllis); his daughter, Lynda Vanhook Schrader (Ken); his sister, Joyce Vanhook Hibbard; his grandchildren, Heather, Stephanie, Jennifer, and Ian; his great-grandchildren, Jane, Dylan, Phoenix; his beloved great-grandson, Austin who passed away; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, Kentucky. A celebration of Don’s life will be at 11am on Friday, June 27th at the funeral home. Don will then be laid to rest with Georgia in Cave Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to the United Way of Laurel County to help with the work of rebuilding his beloved hometown following the devastating tornadoes in May. Send to PO Box 5004, London, KY, 40743.

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