Jerrold “Jerry” F. Hooker’s life is a shining example of service, loyalty, and honor. Born on August 21, 1919, on his Uncle Floyd’s farm in Colorado, Jerry grew up during a time of great change in America. He spent his first 22 years in Colorado, later living 4 years in Egypt, and eventually calling Oklahoma home for the past 80 years.
Jerry’s childhood was marked by both challenges and determination. At just 7 years old in 1926, he sustained a traumatic amputation of four toes on his left foot when a hay derrick fell, yet even then he carried out his chores-hauling water in canvas bags on horseback to the men in the hay fields. By 1938, he graduated high school at age 18, having worked hard to save enough money to buy his very first car: a Model “A” Ford for $75.
When World War II began, Jerry was just 22 years old. In April 1942, he enlisted in the Army at Fort Logan, Colorado, where his typing ability led to his first assignment as a medical corps clerk typist. He completed 12 weeks of basic training at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas, followed by further training at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. From there, he traveled to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, the Army’s largest processing center for troops shipping overseas.
On September 21, 1942, Jerry boarded the HMS Aquitania in Staten Island, New York, beginning a 40-day journey across the Atlantic and around the coast of Africa. Sailing in a zig-zag pattern to avoid German U-boats, the ship ultimately reached the Port of Suez. By October 31, 1942, Jerry had traveled 16,700 miles by sea to set up a military hospital in the desert outside Cairo, Egypt.
There, on Armistice Day-November 11, 1942, the 38th General Hospital opened its doors to provide care for Allied forces wounded in the North African campaign. Jerry’s service spanned multiple roles: he first worked as an orthopedic clerk, then was promoted to Corporal, before becoming Supply Sergeant. In this position, he managed medical supplies and inventory for 64 doctors, 105 nurses, and 500 enlisted men. His duties eventually expanded as General Supply Sergeant and later Staff Sergeant, where he not only managed uniforms and equipment but was entrusted with sole access to locked medical supplies. His leadership and integrity earned the deep trust of his superiors and fellow soldiers alike.
Jerry remained overseas until 1945, serving in the Middle East and North Africa, and he was later called back during the Korean War in 1951, serving for one year at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma.
After his military service, Jerry began his civilian life in Oklahoma. In 1945, he moved to Hitchcock, where he married Grace Spaeth the following year. They shared 30 years of marriage until her passing from cancer in 1976. Jerry built a meaningful life in Hitchcock, where he ran a grocery and general store, as well as the Whistle Stop Restaurant. He served as Mayor for 18 years, taught Sunday school at the Methodist Church for 22 years, and managed the local COOP Grain Elevator for 12 years.
In 1978, Jerry moved to Okeene, Oklahoma, where he married Emma Osmus, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage until her passing in 2010. In Okeene, he worked as assistant manager at the COOP Grain Elevator, served on the Blaine County Excise Board, and was active in the Masonic Lodge, achieving Master Mason after 50 years of service. He was also a devoted member of the Okeene Methodist Church.
In 2012, at the age of 93, Jerry moved into the Independent Living Facility at Fairview Fellowship Home, where he has continued to inspire those around him with his humility, wisdom, and steady faith.
Through each chapter of his journey-whether on the battlefield, in service to his community, or as a family man-Jerry demonstrated loyalty, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to others. His story is one of quiet strength, resilience, and devotion that has spanned more than a century.
And now, we celebrate not only his remarkable life of service but also a milestone that few in history will ever reach.
On August 21, 2025, Jerrold “Jerry” F. Hooker celebrated his 106th birthday.
A true American hero, a man of faith, loyalty, and compassion – Jerry reminds us that a life dedicated to service is a life well lived. •
story by Latisha King
