Charles Hooks

Charles W. Hooks, 81, of Hensley passed away Wednesday December 16, 2009. He was born June 28, 1928 in Faulkner County, Arkansas. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, former employee of Missouri Pacific Railroad, a retired truck driver, a member of the Teamster’s Union and member of St. Edwards Catholic Church. Charles was an interesting character. As a young boy he and his friends from Levy (North Little Rock) built wooden shoe boxes and walked out to Camp Robinson and shined shoes for the soldiers for spending money. He was a good artist. This carried over to his children and grandchildren. Other interests were reading, hunting and fishing. Charles was rambunctious as a youth. He liked fast cars and airplanes. One cold night he hit a patch of ice and crashed his car into Huggins Drug Store in Levy. After his time in the Navy, he used the G.I. Bill to pay for flying lessons. He made his solo flight and received his Pilot’s license on September 10, 1947, the day his sister, Gloria was born. He was 19 years old. He and a friend, Tommy Quick, purchased an old Stearman airplane. They had some interesting stories about their flying days. Some of their stunts were not always proper, but they had a great time. You hear about young men settling down after marriage. Charles met a lovely young girl, Donna Ritter, who had graduated from Mt. Saint Mary Academy. Donna was raised with three brothers and she wasn’t phased by his antics. Charles and Donna’s marriage produced 18 children. He is survived by seven sons, Pat Hooks, of Mayflower, Tommy (Bonnie) Hooks, Chris Hooks, all of Little Rock, Mike Hooks, of Sherwood, John Anthony Hooks and Bill Hooks, both of Hensley, Joe (Helen) Hooks, of Sheridan; ten daughters, Donna (Dave) Stephenson, of Pine Bluff, Linda (Ferrell) Johnson, Margie (Clay) Worlow, D.D. (Rusty) Garner, Karen Hooks, all of North Little Rock, Jane Hooks, of Memphis, Susie Hooks, of Hot Springs, Mary (Albert) Palmer, Joan Crews, all of Little Rock and Sharon (Tommy) Beard, of Hensley; brother, Jimmy Hogan; sister, Gloria Hogan, both of North Little Rock; twenty-four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Mary “Donna” Hooks, daughter, Rita Marks, brother, Jerry Hogan and his parents, Tildon J. and Margie Jackson Hogan. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Edwards Catholic Church, 801 Sherman St., Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday at St. Edwards Catholic Church. Burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.

Charles Hooks

December 16, 1928 - December 16, 2009