John P. Hooning III

He was born in Chicago, son of John P. Hooning Jr. and Josephine (Houtsma) Hooning.

John is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Willow Street; his son, John E. Hooning (Fayanne) of Evergreen, Colo.; his daughter, Joanne M. Scovill (Brad) of Lititz; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He grew up in the southside Chicago neighborhood of Roseland and graduated from the Morgan Park Military Academy in 1953. In 1957, he graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. While at IU, he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity and served as a cadet in Army ROTC. He carried a love of IU athletics through the rest of his life and was thrilled when the Hoosiers won the national championship in football earlier this year.

Shortly after graduation, John married Dorothy Mae Hamilton of Hammond, Indiana, the love of his life. They commemorated their 69th wedding anniversary on June 29. Following marriage, he served two years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo.

John spent most of his professional career in the railroad supply business, beginning with Pullman Standard in Chicago and San Mateo, Calif. After transferring back to Chicago, he and Dorothy settled in Olympia Fields, where they raised their family. The family later relocated to Hollidaysburg, where John completed his career at Berwind Railway. Following retirement, John and Dorothy moved to Willow Valley Communities to be closer to family.

He was a student of financial markets and an active investor. He and Dorothy traveled the world together with friends and enjoyed their trips to Atlantic City. He was an avid tennis player for much of his life and enjoyed golfing with friends. He was a member of Willow Street United Church of Christ and was very involved with the Mylin Cemetery. He enjoyed all aspects of his life, especially the many happy times spent with family that he loved so deeply. Prior to passing he shared, “I was dealt a good hand.”

John will be laid to rest privately at the convenience of the family. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Willow Street United Church of Christ, 2723

Willow Street Pike North, Willow Street. A reception will follow at the Willow Valley Cultural Center.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John’s name to the Mylin Cemetery at the Willow Street United Church of Christ at the address above.

To leave an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.