Roger L. Hook

Roger L. Hook, age 77, of Wilmington and formerly of Centerville, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in a motor vehicle accident. Roger graduated from Clinton Massie High School’s first graduating class in 1964. He honorably served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. Mechanically inclined, he worked 28 years as a copier specialist for Pitney Bowes before switching careers to over-the-road transportation. He has been self-employed as an independent truck driver, hauling for Wikel Bulk Express of Huron, Ohio, for the past 29 years. Hardworking, always laughing, highly respected, honest, and dependable, Roger will be remembered for his integrity, smile, and outgoing personality. While he loved his work and being out on the road, he also enjoyed working in his yard and riding his lawn mower. He grew up on the farm and shared his pride of a farming background with his kids and grandchildren. He loved his family and was dedicated to providing for them. He also enjoyed cooking, experimenting with different soup recipes, and enjoying his favorite foods: seafood, especially crab legs, pork roasts, and oyster dressing. When relaxing at home, he enjoyed watching NCIS, CSI, and the Game Show Network on TV. He had a passion for clocks and found it relaxing to listen to the chimes of the many clocks he owned. Roger had a tradition of spending time with his daughters each year, visiting various haunted houses and properties during Halloween. They enjoyed it so much that they often traveled all over the state, and sometimes to neighboring states, to visit the best ones together. He especially enjoyed watching the reactions of those who joined him in those scary adventures, often laughing hysterically over their reactions. In addition, it was also a tradition for Roger and the family to get together each January at Mohican State Park Lodge in Loudonville, Ohio, to celebrate Christmas, whereby everyone could socialize, exchange presents, and spend time together. Among the many things he will be remembered for, the main one will be his love of the open road in his semi-truck. He was known for building strong relationships with his customers and creating a strong personal bond with those he worked with at Wikel. During his 29-year truck driving career, he traveled to 30 different states, to 4 Canadian Provinces and logged an incredible 3.35 million miles! Everywhere he went, he was known for his commitment to doing his best and his infectious laugh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Helen Hook. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diane; three children, Robin (Jason) Todd, Kevin (Jodie) Hook, and Amy Hook (fiancé Stephen Killingbeck); seven grandchildren, Logan, Maddie, Cameron, Bryson, Jacob, Elizabeth, and Sam; and his sister, Vivian (Bob) Kist. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. Celebrant Katie Mackoway will officiate the services. The family will receive friends and family from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. If desired and in memory of Roger’s heritage of growing up on a farm, contributions may be made to the American Farmland Trust. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.

Roger L. Hook

April 19, 1946 - March 13, 2024