Donald H. Hooker, Sr.

Donald Howard Hooker Sr. died peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 3, 2024 after a six-month battle with cancer. Born in Sharonville, Ohio to Donald and Sonja (nee Howard) Hooker on June 24, 1960, Don attended Princeton High School, c/o 1978. Don married MaryJane (nee Kossen) in 1983 and the two went on to have 8 children and a successful business in their 40 years of marriage, owning and operating the 840 Lounge in Whitehall, Ohio since 1985. Don worked at Carr Supply from 2017 until just before his death. Don was a wordsmith, a voracious reader, and daily crossword enthusiast. He would quietly destroy you in a game of Scrabble, regularly finding the triple letter/triple word combos. He loved the Buckeyes on Saturdays, the Bengals and NASCAR on Sundays, bluegrass music, his wife’s cooking, and his bar. Don is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, Jim and Jane Kossen, and sister-in-law Peggy Smerik. Don is survived by MaryJane and children, Donnie (Brooke), Katie (Evan), Karlie, Kellie (Michael), Kassie, Kaylie, Kristie, and John, as well as his six grandchildren, Jack, Hallie, Arlo, Alder, August, and Patrick, and scores of friends from around the east side bar scene. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the James Cancer Center for their exceptional care, especially Dr. Marcelo Bonomi and Dr. Kyle VanKoevering. Never one to miss a party, please join us on Friday, June 7 from 3-5 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 East Broad Street where a Prayer Service will begin at 5 p.m.  The family invites aIl who knew Don to come to the 840 Lounge, 23 Collingwood Ave for a Celebration of Life beginning at 7 p.m.  on Saturday, June 8.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the James Cancer Center at the Ohio State University or Capital City Hospice. 

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