Paul Robert Hooks

ELDER PAUL ROBERT HOOKS was born February 5, 1936; the 4 of 5 children born to the late Joseph Hooks and Pauline Crenshaw Hooks. He was a life-long resident of Indianapolis, Indiana; attending Indianapolis Public Schools. Paul graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1954. ELDER HOOKS united in marriage to Lillie Ruth Owens in 1957. To this union four sons were born. Ruth and one son, Royce Edwin, preceded him in death. September 27, 1969,he married Emma Eaton whom he cherished and loved very deeply throughout their 42 years together. And together, they raised their family. He also coached and helped coach his sons in football and baseball at Riverside and Golden Hill. ELDER HOOKS loved to travel, fish, hunt and go camping. He and Emma were members of Indiana Sojourners RV Club (ISJ) and the National African-American RV Assoc. (NAARVA).He served as Chaplain for ISJ and the Central Regional of NAARVA. In 1961, Elder Hooks joined the Indianapolis Police Department; was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and retired in 1982. As an officer, he received numerous commendations recognizing him for outstanding service to the community. He was well-respected at work, in the communi...[more]

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and in the neighborhood where he lived. Always having an encouraging word and was looked up to as a father figure and confidant by many. As a security officer for IPS, he was affectionately called "grandpa" and "pawpaw" by the students. PAUL HOOKS professed a hope in Christ at an early age upon hearing "Today, if you hear my voice, harden not your heart." Hebrews 4:7. He was baptized by Reverend Richard Gregory at Beulah Baptist Church; now known as Promise Land Christian Community Church pastored by Reverend Richard Willoughby where he was a 50-year+ member. He was licensed to preach with Rev. Gregory as his overseer. Pastor Willoughby ordained him in 1992. In 1996, he received his Certificate of Ordination from the Western Division Freewill Baptist Church, Inc. Also in 1996, he was called to pastor Emmanuel Freewill Baptist Church and became a member of Mount Calvary Freewill Baptist Church under Bishop nd Robert Watts. He served as 2 Vice Moderator of the Terre Haute District and member of the Ecclesiastic Counsel. Recently, Elder Hooks was placed over the Minister's Conference. He was active in the Kentucky Annual and the General Conference of Western Division of Freewill Baptist. ELDER PAUL R. HOOKS departed this life Sunday, July 8, 2012. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Emma; sons, Jerry, Terry (Rochelle) and Tony (Sana); grandchildren, Blendyth (Larry Jr.) Hart, Jantitta Barlow, Jeremias, Malcolm, Terrice, Navarro and Najani Hooks; great-grandchildren, Saniyah Hunt, Lauren, Larry III, and Hayley Hart; brothers,James (deceased July 19, 2012, wife Arthelma) and Lawrence (Lenora); sister, Donna(Boyce); mother-in-law, Lillian Eaton; and a host of family, friends and members of Emmanuel Freewill Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by one brother, Royce Edwin(Lois Jean) Hooks.