Gilbert Norman Hooker, 79, of Virginia Beach quietly took his last flight on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, with his close family seeing him off.
Gib was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on May 5, 1943. He was the first of three boys of loving parents Gilbert and Norma Hooker. Gib lived in Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas, where he graduated from Weatherford High School. He spent his youth rolling tractors, chipping teeth and readying for a golf career before attending and graduating from the University of Texas.
Gib volunteered to join the United States Navy and became an exceptional fighter pilot. He was highly regarded and respected by his fellow pilots. He deployed on two cruises on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) during the Vietnam War and flew the F-4 Phantom on multiple missions. He received a Gold Star for successfully escorting an RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance plane deep into enemy territory. Later in his career, Gib transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat fighter jet and went to Top Gun, first for training and later to fly as the enemy in the A-4. He retired from flying in 1989 but continued his Navy commitment, instructing the next generation of pilots on the F-14, and later F/A-18 Hornet, training simulators for 16 years.
As a young pilot in San Diego, Gib met his wife Connie, a school teacher, on an impromptu motorcycle ride with friends. Later that day, they met again at a Navy party, where Gib consoled Connie about her father’s recent passing. His gentleness and compassion won him her heart. Their relationship quickly bloomed into an undying love and commitment to each other. That love brought new life into this world, four adoring children, and nine grandchildren, along with many, many wonderful memories.
Gib is preceded in death by his parents as well as his wife’s parents, Albert F. Colgrove II and Ferol V. Colgrove, his wife’s siblings Doris (Dick) Hollis, Bob (Joyce) Colgrove, and his sister-in-law Karen (Albert) Colgrove.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Constance Hooker, his children Elizabeth (Matthew) Lighthart, Matthew (Jayna) Hooker, Brad Hooker, and Sarah Hooker; grandchildren Khamani Brooks, Xavier Collins, BreAyr Watson, Emerie Hooker, Emmett Lighthart, Faye Lighthart, Annie Hooker, Alexander Hooker, and Austin Hooker; brothers Gene (Beverley) Hooker and Gary (Becky) Hooker; and brother-in-law Albert (Karen) Colgrove.
Military Honors will be held at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 13. The Celebration of Life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14 at the Virginia Beach Christian Church, 2225 Rose Hall Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society.
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Graveside Service
Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery
5310 Milners Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434
October 13, 2022
11:00am
Celebration of Life
Virginia Beach Christian Church
2225 Rose Hall Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23454
October 14, 20221:00pm
What a beautiful life of service he lived. Our deepest condolences to you, Connie and your family. Love the hughes
My heart truly goes out to you and your family, Connie. There are no words to express what all of you are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Terry Ross and family
So sorry for your loss, Connie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. But l am so very glad for the many happy years you had together!!
I am very sorry to hear of Gib’s passing. We were both pilots in VF-32 in the 70’s and Gib truly inspired us all with his dry wit, kindness, and true professionalism. All our best to Connie and the rest of his family as we have all lost a truly great American.
Elizabeth & family..May the loving memories, carry you through this delicate time in your lives. Fondly, Ellen
Gib was the only wingman I ever had, on his first cruise aboard USS Ranger in 1970-1971. He was steady, skilled and friendly. He learned quickly. Always understated, he was dependable and gently assertive. I’ve never flown into or over Texas without thinking of the kind, quiet guy from Weatherford.
Connie, your loss is considerable. You married a good man, dad and grandfather. All of his friends remember him fondly.
He lived an amazing life and was able to enjoy and share it with his family. Rest In Peace Mr Hooker and thank you for your years of service to the people of this country!
Connie
All that a man can ask for is that he is loved by his family and respected by his peers. Gib was all that many times over. My room mate on USS John F Kennedy for several cruises and a life long friend, Gib was special to me and my family, I can assure you many tears were shed when we heard of his passing. Connie, rest comfortably in the knowledge that you were a tremendous wife and partner and that he loved you dearly.
Connie, Suzanne joins me in expressing our most sincere condolences over Gib’s passing. I was privileged to have flown and served with Gib. He was an exceptional pilot, an outstanding Officer and most importantly a true friend! He will be missed!
My heart is heavy with emotion of childhood memories of my cousin Gib (Gibby). Our families lived together when our dads were away during WWIi. Gib’s values and loving nature followed throughout his life. My blessings to his extended family.
Thank you all for your kind and caring thoughts and condolences. Your words have brought comfort to me and my family at this difficult time.
Connie