John Henry Hook, 83, of Piedmont, Mo passed away on Monday, November 17, 2014 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

John was born August 9, 1931 in Fryburg, PA, to Henry J. Hook and Mary Agnes Stark Hook who preceded him in death.

As a young boy John worked paper routes and helped his father in the butcher shop.

He graduated from Sacred Heart Academy High School, presently St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Franklin, PA.

He proudly served his country during the Korean War stationed in West Germany and becoming 1st Sergeant before being discharged.

He later owned three Atlantic Richfield service stations in Franklin, PA, Hook’s Smoke Shop and then the Re-Arm Sports Center which was ultimately located at the Barrow-Civic Theatre (old Kayton Theatre) for 15 years.

John’s business ventures took him to Missouri for a few projects, and for the last 14 years he worked at Wal-Mart where he truly loved working with his co-workers and his customers.

John was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and spent the last several years attending St. Catherine’s of Sienna at Piedmont, MO.

He loved to hunt and fish throughout Canada and North and South America.

He loved to read Westerns and watch Western movies.

During his time in Franklin John enjoyed annual family vacations, the Stover family reunion and many other family get-togethers with Christmas Eve being one of his favorites.

On November 2, 1992, John married Barbara “Bobby” L. (Brown) Hook of Piedmont, MO. She survives along with step-daughter, Tracy Quinter of Patterson, MO, and two step-grandsons, Matthew Quinter and Zachary Barber. Also surviving are his son Vernon and wife DeAnna Hook, grandchildren Brad and Bridget Hook of Grove City, PA; daughter Teresa MacDonald and husband David of Erie, PA; son Albert (AJ) and wife Robin, step-grandchildren James Cameron and Alicia Steetle and husband Robert (Bobby); and son Ernest (Ernie) Hook.

John was previously married to Mary Jane (Spencer) Hook of Franklin, PA, for 37 years.

John is also survived by brothers George Hook and wife Nancy of Franklin, PA, and Eugene (Gene) Hook of Florida as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont, MO.

Arnold Hodge Post #281 performed a military walk-through in honor of John during the visitation.

Services were held in the chapel on Friday, November 21, 2014, at 10:30 A.M. with Father Shobe Chettiyath ministering. Burial was at the MO State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO, with full military honors.

Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhome.com.