Hooton, John Wallace born May 16, 1927 passed away December 7, 2014 at the age of 87. He died at his home in Laguna Woods, California. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Margaret Hooton, and his three children, Mark Hooton, Pamela McCormack and Jerry Hooton. John was also the proud Grandpa of 6 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.



John was born in Salt Lake City, Utah the eldest son of three boys of Purcy Hooton and Leah Hooton. John's brother, Robert Hooton, resides in Downey, CA; the youngest brother, Harry Hooton, died tragically in an accident at the age of 12. A child of the Great Depression, John's family moved often as his father, Purcy, found work in a number of construction projects through the WPA. Finally settling in Southern California, John graduated from Montebello High School, then at the age of 18, enlisted in the Navy in April of 1945. Stationed in Hawaii, John served as a cook/maintenance man for an R&R residence for navy personnel. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, John attended University of California, Los Angeles and graduated with a degree in Business. He met and married his wife Patricia (known to her family and friends at Tricia) on April 12, 1952 in Las Vegas, Nevada.



Living for a short time in Bell Gardens, CA, John and Tricia settled into a house in Downey, CA in 1959 where they raised their three children. John and his brother, Robert, worked together to build a contracting business and then start and run businesses on properties purchased by themselves and their father, Purcy. Hard work and thrifty practices helped John and Bob develop their businesses. A little over four years ago, John and Tricia moved to Laguna Woods to enjoy the many amenities offered to seniors. John continued to be involved in the management of the businesses while spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.



Rapidly failing health along with a number of medical issues, including complete blindness in his right eye and partial loss of sight in his left eye, recently combined to greatly reduce John's quality of life. While grieving his passing, his family and friends are comforted by the fact that he is now able to rest comfortably and be at peace.



Private Services will be held December 12, 2014 at Bellflower Brethren Church at 11:00 am. As per John's wishes, there will be no public memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please give to Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) or to a charity of your choice in memory of John Hooton.