Arlin Dale Hooker

Arlin Dale Hooker, 84, of Milan, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. Arlin was born May 5, 1935 in Saluda, IN the son Clete and Sophania (Nighbert) Hooker. 

He was a member of the Saluda graduating of 1953, then he attended Hanover College. There, Arlin received a bachelor’s degree in education and earned his master’s in education from Indiana University. He married Betty Jean McClure on June 22, 1956, and she survives. He was a member of the Southern Baptist Church of Versailles. Arlin started his teaching and coaching career at Austin High School. From there, he spent three years at Paris Crossing. He coached three years at Dillsboro High School, winning the school’s only basketball sectional title in 1961. In 1964, he became principal there and remained until 1978. He was then principal at Aurora Middle School and Aurora Elementary School, until he retired in 1996. 

Arlin enjoyed farming, camping, boating and fishing. He enjoyed doing these with his family and friends. When he wasn’t working on the farm, his enjoyed several summers at Houghton Lake, MI, Monroe Reservoir, Bloomington, IN. He especially enjoyed a trip to Alaska in 2006. 

Arlin is survived by is wife of 63 years, Betty, son Steven of Wilmington, NC and son Richard (Gretchen) of Milan; two grandsons, Adam (Katie) Hooker of Fishers, and Alex (Jodie) of Milan. Also, he enjoyed three great-grandchildren, Lane, Caroline, Declan, and Laramie due in August. Arlin is also survived by his sister, Betty Ann (Robert) Yunker, Carmel. He was preceeded in death by his parents, his sisters, Erma Brooks and Iona Sachleban, and his brother, Kevin. 

A service celebrating his life was held Monday, July 1, at Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles, with Rev. Carter Corby officiating. Burial was at the Washington Baptist Cemetery. Memorials can be given to the Milan Volunteer Fire Department and the Southern Baptist Church of Versailles.