Herbert Leon Hooter

Herbert Hooter, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, went home to Jesus on Friday, June 18, 2021 at age 86.

Herbert was born to Leon Eugene Hooter and Lodie Tallulah Anderson on August 8, 1934 in Robstown, Texas. He grew up in Big Wells, Texas and moved to Somerset Texas in 1949, and met his future wife, Freddie Mae Watts on the school playground. According to Herbert, “I knew I would marry that pretty little blond in pigtails”.  They married on August 28, 1954 at Somerset Baptist Church. Herbert and Freddie raised three children in Somerset and were active in church, Young Farmers and various activities for their children, like 4H and Booster Clubs.

Herbert had several jobs early on (Lone Star Brewery, Kelly AFB) but then worked for the Texas Highway department for 31 years before retiring in 1984. In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband and father, Herbert held an unwavering faith in God, which he readily shared with others. He was an active member of Somerset Baptist Church, as well a member of the Jubilee Singers of South Texas. Herbert had a passion for singing and recorded his favorite gospel songs shortly before his death. 

Herbert was preceded in death by: his beloved wife of 57 years, Freddie Mae Hooter; his son Frederick E. Hooter; his parents; step father Tom Cox; his brother Hobart “Rusty” Hooter; his sisters Kay Schultz, Beth Brymer, Billie Stanley and Melba Parkison; his sister in law Clara Watts; and his grandson Cory Lee Hooter.  He is now rejoicing with his fellow believers in Heaven.

Herbert is survived by his son Joseph L. Hooter (wife Lisa) of Boerne, Texas; daughter Paula A Cobb of Somerset, Texas; daughter in law Mae Beth Hooter (Fred) of Kerrville, Texas; grandchildren Ashley Bates, Justin Hooter, Kendra Hooter, Jordan Bates and Christopher Cobb; great grandchildren Brooke Martinez, Adrian Casarez; Annalee Faith Bixler, Jolene Bates; his constant companion Dakota; and numerous family and friends.

Herbert’s family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful staff of Alamo Hospice, who have helped provide care to Herbert since January.  Special thanks to nurses Michelle & Kate, aide Laura, social worker Katie and chaplain Eric.

A celebration of life will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Lytle, Texas on Friday, June 25^th at 1p officiated by Brother Russ Frasier. The family will receive visitors one hour before and after the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Herbert’s favorite charities: Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/) or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/).

John 14: 1-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

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