Final Salute

Richard Lee “Dick” Van Hook, 92, of Martinsville, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital.

He was born December 22, 1928 to the late Jesse and Effie Zee Van Hook in Fountain County, Indiana.

Dick served his country in the United States Navy including a tour with the “Seabees”. He also served as a firefighter in Indianapolis and worked as a tool and die man for Jenn-Air Products. Dick’s passion was music. He played trumpet in bands in Martinsville, Greenwood, and Texas. He was also a skilled artist who loved painting, working with stained glass, pastels, woodworking, and even sculpting, having successfully restored the fountain at the Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home by re-working fiberglass and re-casting. Dick was also a skilled craftsman. He designed and built his home for himself and his wife Marybeth where they spent several years of their life together. Dick was a devoted family man and a Christian. He was a member of Eastview Christian Church and spent much of his life traveling the world with Marybeth.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Elizabeth (Hunt) Van Hook who he married February 4, 1951; son, Richard Lee Van Hook, II and wife Charlene of Washington state; daughters, Karen Lynn Phillips and husband John of Mooresville, Marylee Maxwell and husband Kelly of Martinsville, Kimberly Kay Atnip and husband Bob of Westfield; sister, Mary Katherine Moody; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruth Ellen Bryant.

Private services for the family are Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Costin Funeral Chapel.

Entombment with military and fire department honors will be at Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Eastview Christian Church, 2745 Old Morgantown Road, Martinsville, IN 46151 or to Camp Allendale, 4605 South Allendale Drive, Trafalgar, IN 46181.