Birth date: Jun 24, 1932 Death date: Jun 10, 2011
Heaven welcomed its newest citizen; Dr. H. Phillip Hook passed away June 10, 2011 with his famiy by his side. Phil was born June 24, 1932 in Corry Pennsylvania to Rev. Earnest and Lillian Hook. Phil had no greater joy than to open Read Obituary
when i arrived a DTS in 1969, i was a long haired kid from berkeley. dr. hook offered a challenge to me on how to think and live. i loved his approach of exposing the sometimes cloaked truths of the Scriptures. we kept in contact for many years. he was one of inspirational friends that challenged me to go to law school and practice law.
pace bene Phil.##imported-begin##rio davvid##imported-end##
While at DTS '69-'73, I can remember the frustration we had with Phil's "case book" approach to teaching theology. Even half way through a course, we usually had no idea where he was going. I can imagine now that neither did he. But toward the end, many experienced an "aaha" moment where things just "magically" came together. Lesson learned and then passed on to other "frustrated" classmates. During my 3rd year, he announced in class that he was to debate situation ethicist, Dr. Joseph Fletcher at Auburn. After class, I asked him if I could go with him. He was noncommital but the day before he was to leave, he told me a friend was flying him down and there was room for me. Since I hadn't cleared it with my wife, I mentioned I'd need check with her. His reply, "Steve, you asked me if you could go, I've said yes. Be at Love Field tomorrow . . . " I went, he graciously and systematically "ate" Fletcher up. Later, he visited us in Europe and ministered with us in Poland. A profound thinker who lifted you up by teaching you to ask penetrating questions and then challenged you to ask still more. Lessons learned and not forgotten.##imported-begin##Steve Sternberg##imported-end##
Phil Hook meant a lot to me, as a friend and as a teacher. He challenged me to be more and more creative at a time in my life when I had no clue where I was headed as a young adult. His bible studies bordered on brilliance and his love of old cars always made me smile. There was something special about spending time with Phil one on one. He was a 24 hour a day thinker, and in my case, a part time father and full-time friend during my years at Pine Cove. I am grateful.
##imported-begin##Gary Cogill##imported-end##
Dear Shirley,
How blessed Phil was to have you as his wife. You loved him and cared for him faithfully, and especially in all these months of fighting the cancer. Thank you for being such a great wife and a wonderful sister-in-law. Phil's death has left a hole in our hearts that nothing can fill, so we will weep together over our loss but rejoice in his gain. I love you and we will keep in touch.##imported-begin##Margaret Miller##imported-end##
Mrs. Hook and Family:
Word of Dr. Hook's death brought tears to my eyes. I would like to share a few memories. Shirley and I will never forget the open door he had for us at Wheaton. You may recall that he took us shopping for our first car. We watched the girls twice-- when he had arm surgery and when the two of you took a trip to Detroit.
If I recall matters correctly, he had asked God for a sign about continuing to play softball. The answer was a torn muscle.
A few years later, at Dallas, a classmate stood and requested prayer for a speaker at a coming college gathering--a man known for his "forceful and dynamic speaking." You can imagine the loving chuckles when he concluded, "Please pray for Dr. Hook."
I have thought of Dr. Hook often over the years. We join you in a state of sorrow and rejoicing.
Ken Schafer Wheaton '67, DTS '71
Shirley Aldrich Schafer Wheaton '65##imported-begin##Ken & Shirley Schafer##imported-end##
Shirley, I just heard today about Phil. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a super man and I am so glad I had the chance to know him. I am keeping you in my prayers.
Love Kendall##imported-begin##Kendall Crittenden##imported-end##
Dr. Phil Hook allowed me the wonderful opportunity to grow and thrive in the Pine Cove community during the 1970's. He was an excellent mentor and challenged me in ways that were new and unique. I know that he will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. Dr. Jane Nelson Bolin Cheetah Marie, College Station.##imported-begin##Jane Nelson Bolin##imported-end##
Dear Shirley,
I just heard about Phil yesterday. I'm so sorry for your loss.
You are in my prayers.
Much love,
Mary##imported-begin##Mary Napps##imported-end##
As Paul was to Timothy, Phil was my mentor. He always made sure that I was on the path of righteousness. He was not just a mentor or a friend: he was my father too.
On March 29, 1970, I was 4 years old when I lost my father. I grew up not having him in my life. I did not miss him at all. On June 10, 2011, I was 45, and I had 20 years of memories with the Captain Phil. I have his image in my mind. I have the sound of his voice in my head. I have all the life lessons I learned from him applied in my life.
I'm just one of the few people in this world that was loved by him and has learned from him. He is a friend to thousands. He was an influential professor and teacher to thousands.
Phil Hook was a Grandpa, a father, and a mentor to hundreds. We will all dearly miss him and will forever remember how much he gave us, how much he loved us, and how much we know about ourselves and the Lord because of him. He enriched my life more than I can ever express it in few words.##imported-begin##Francis Miawama##imported-end##
I was a student in the Conservatory of Music, and I can say emphatically Dr. Hook was one of the if not THEabsolute, hands down, best teachers I ever had at Wheaton College Class of '65. I put all of the notes from his class into a binder, and am sure I still have them somewhere in the house. In the early days of adulthood, I referred to them at times. Am sorry to hear of his death, but truly rejoice that he is in the presence of the Lord he loved and served. It will be wonderful to reconnect someday!! God's comfort and blessing on his wife, children, grandchildren and siblings.##imported-begin##Mary Osterhaus Clark##imported-end##
