Hooser turns 100

John A. Hooser lives in the house he was born in. That house in rural Clayton is on the Federal land given to his mother, Helen (Hudson) Hooser, who was an original role of the Choctaw. The house was built by his father, Newt Hooser. The original four-room home has seen several additions to its current layout. As a boy, John traveled the area by horseback and helped with the family farm. An important lesson from his parents, to help people in need, has stayed with John throughout his life. Growing up, hunting and fishing as a boy continued to be hobbies in his adult life.

John has always been proud of his heritage and being a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. John, along with his brother Earnest, has been honored by the Choctaw Nation as a distinguished elder.

John spent much of his life working in science education. As a state science supervisor for the state of Missouri, John rose to be a leader in the National Association of Science Supervisors. After retiring John and his wife Lucille moved back from Missouri to live in his boyhood home. John and Lucille both were teachers and got there starts at Stanley for Lucille and John’s Valley for John.

Lucille passed in April of 2020. John is cared for by his daughter, Hoitema. He will be surrounded by family and friends on his birthday and then again over the Labor Day holiday.