Mike Ivan Hooker

Mike Ivan Hooker passed away on November 28, 2023. It seems impossible to type those words and so many others to follow but follow, they must. Known as Mike to his family and Ivan to his friends, he was born in El Paso, Texas, on December 10th, 1964, to the adoring Ed and Joetta Collins Hooker. He was the youngest of three busy little boys who tumbled and rough-housed their way through an Army childhood before becoming very different adults who still loved each other deeply. Ivan, in true youngest child fashion, was the outgoing charmer. He had real, true friendships everywhere on the map and, after working as an Apple technician for more than a decade, expanded that base of loved ones even further. The visitors in and out of his room at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in the last weeks of his life were innumerable and ever vigilant, bringing great cheer to him and buoying his family during the hardest moments. The outpouring of love from those far away was astonishing. Ivan was the sort of uncle who played Lego’s and Barbie’s on the floor of the living room for hours. He never missed a birthday for either his niece or nephew from Virginia to Florida and back. Over the years, he held them as tiny, newborn babies, ate Lightning McQueen and Barbie-shaped birthday cake, and wore a zillion silly party hats with the same loving enthusiasm. Ivan is pre-deceased by his beloved mother, Joetta Collins Hooker. He is survived by his father, Ed Hooker, and his wife, Doris, his brother, Butch Hooker, his brother Chuck Hooker, and his wife Jacki, and their children, Sarah and Will. He had many aunts, uncles, and cousins whose relationships and memories he cherished. Ivan is also survived by many dear friends who are, thankfully, too numerous to name, but you know who you are out there. Ivan, if the deepest love and closest friendships could have kept you with us, you would still be here right now telling us to Google our Apple questions like everybody else, petting Scotchie, and cranking up Duran Duran. Our hearts are broken. A private celebration of life will be held in the spring.