John Ransom Hook

John Ransom (JR) Hook passed away peacefully at the age of 97 in Las Cruces, New Mexico on July 5, 2026. He lived a long, full life on his own terms and was nicknamed a “warhorse” by his brother-in-law Jack Schaefer, for his ability to overcome multiple health challenges against the odds. He was fiercely independent and strived to live his life that way until the end. He was a prime example of the “Greatest Generation”.

John was born in Battiest, Oklahoma on April 17, 1929. He was one of 16 children born to Ollie Mae and Hiram Leslie Hook.

In 1948, John enlisted into the U.S. Armed Forces, serving in the U. S. Air Force from 1948 to 1950. He transferred to the U.S. Army and served his country until his retirement in 1970 at the rank of Master Sargeant. He served two tours in Korea and one in Germany.

John R. Hook was married in 1955 to Lorriane E. Hook in New York City. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage before Lorraine’s passing in 2001. Together they had three children: John, Joan and Charles, and lived most of their married lives in El Paso, Texas after short-term stays in Missouri, Nebraska, New York, and Germany. John resided in Las Cruces, New Mexico since 2015, after having previously lived in El Paso for 49 years.

John was an accomplished league bowler for many years; in addition, he participated in multiple National Amateur Bowling Association tournaments and won many accolades. He had a love for horse racing also. John was an avid football fan and proud supporter of the Oklahoma Sooners. His favorite place to be on a Saturday was in his comfortable chair with his OU blanket, rooting for the Sooners.

John R. Hook is survived by his sons John D. Hook (Mona Gardner), and Charles D. Hook; granddaughters Jenni (Mike) Razeghi, Jessica Hook, and grandson Charles D. Hook, Jr.; granddaughters by marriage Pricilla, Mari, and Nikki.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lorraine (Schaefer) Hook and beloved daughter, Joan Hook. Joan and John were faithful companions until her death in 2022; she will be laid to final rest together with her beloved father.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home, 4631 Hondo Pass DR., El Paso, TX 79904. Visitation will be at 11:30 AM; Eulogy at 12:00 PM; Committal Service at 1:30 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson, El Paso, TX 79906.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) in memory of MSG John R. Hook (Ret). John was a compassionate supporter of America’s heroes who were injured in service to their country.