Marlin R. Hook

On July 23rd, 2025, Marlin Ray Hook died peacefully in his home, lovingly surrounded by wife, son, sisters, and friends. He was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in August 2024 and sought subsequent treatments until transitioning to Hospice care on July 17th.

Marlin was born September 13, 1951 in Washington, Indiana to the late Bennie R. Hook and Ruth Ann (Fecht) Hook. Marlin married Brenda K. (Steinway) on October29 1977, and they have made their home in the Plainfield area for the past 38 years. Their son Adam Hook and daughter-in-law Louise (Magiera) also reside in Plainfield.

Marlin graduated from Decatur Central High School in 1970 and IUPUI with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University. His remarkable career led him to his final professional position at IU Methodist Hospital as Facilities Engineer, Operations and Maintenance for 33 years. Until August 2024 when a brain tumor diagnosis required treatments, "semi-retired" he consulted for Methodist, lending his passion for planning state-of-art facilities for the new Methodist hospital presently under construction. At all the hospitals he served, a wide circle of team members and co-workers admired his skills and pleasant personality. Despite his high standards for making things work in his facilities, he enjoyed having fun with his peers. His penchant for labeling and organizing papers in binders is legendary. Marlin and Brenda have been members of Plainfield United Methodist Church, more recently attending The Branches where Adam and Louise are members. Professional affiliations include American Society for Healthcare Engineering, Gilford Township Civic Association, West Newton Lodge, Bridgeport Lodge, National Corvette Museum Club, Marwood Optimist Club, and Habitat for Humanity.

Marlin and Brenda were highly engaged with a large, extended family, and Adam and Louise, and their cherished granddaughter Lylah Ruth were his greatest joys. Survivors also include sisters Marcia Reynolds Reyman (Larry), Marie Ann Stanley (Ray), nephews Cory and Eric Reynolds, Dustin and Jonathan Stanley and niece Angela West. Marlin also had close relationships with Brenda's brother, sister, and spouses. Tim, Kim, Julie and Jim, counting them as friends as well as family. He also enjoyed his time with his 7 nieces and nephews from the Steinway family. All his great nieces and nephews also treasure him. Marlin loved to regularly visit his mother's Fecht relatives: aunts, uncles and cousins who reside in Nebraska and Colorado: he had great appreciation for their rural life and core values.

Studying history, researching genealogy, collecting antique farm machinery such as his windmill, restoring John Deere tractors, landscape photography, astronomy, extensive reading, and his motorcycles and Corvette were some of his favorite pursuits. He had tremendous admiration for Brenda's 45-year career as a NICU nurse at Riley Hospital. Marlin and Brenda enjoyed traveling immensely (especially in mountain ranges across the country,) at times by motorcycle and back road touring, hence the song "Country Roads" resounds with them. The color GREEN symbolizes Marlin's love for John Deere tractors, nature and the environment, and even his favorite Muppet, Kermit the Frog!

Marlin is known for his commitment to his family, genuine care and support for his friends and colleagues, dedication to the IU Hospital operations, dependability in every realm of his life, iconic frugality, copious organization, and the "grit" required of him to overcome a physical disability. He had multiple surgeries at Shriner's Hospital in St. Louis from ages 2-14. Every life he has touched will feel the loss of this truly unique individual. Marlin's heart and mind made world better for countless people. He exemplifies the words of E. Hubbard: "The stronger a man is, the gentler he can afford to be."

Family and friends may show their love and support from 4 to 8 pm on Monday, July 28th and from 9 to 10 am on Tuesday, July 29th at Jones Family Funeral and Cremation Service, Mooresville. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, July 29th following visitation at the Funeral Home. Marlin will be laid to rest at West Newton Cemetery in West Newton.

Marlin and Brenda request that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor be made to Shriners Hospital for Children where he was hospitalized over the years, or Riley Hospital, where Brenda had a 45 year nursing career.

To share a favorite story or to send an online condolence please visit www.jonesfamilymortuary.com