Richard James "Dick" Hooks

Richard James Hooks, 64, of North Sioux City, SD, died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, November 23, 2014. Services will be held 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2014 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Visitation will be from 5-7pm, with the family present from 6-7pm at the funeral home. Richard, better known to many as Dick, Dick-O or Hooker, was born on December 19, 1949, to Dorothy (Nelson) and Everett "Bud" Hooks. He graduated from Leeds High School in 1968 where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. Dick went on to receive a scholarship from the University of South Dakota to play football. He played there for two years, before leaving due to a chronic illness. Dick then took his passion to the fast-pitch softball field where he was given the "world famous" nickname of "Hooker." He loved to be on the field or court in any capacity and passed that on to all of his children. Dick married Mary Jo Salem on June 16, 1978, in Sioux City, IA. They had two girls together - Brianna and Jessica, before amicably divorcing. They remained friends throughout his life - a true testament to his character. Dick then married Darcy Butler on December 18, 1987, in an intimate ceremony in Las Vegas, NV. The couple had two children together, a daughter and son - Kaitlyn and Kyle. They then moved from Sioux City out to Riv-R-Land Estates in South Dakota in 1990 to be near the river - Dick's first love. Dick had many different jobs - selling insurance, tending bar, laying floors, but the job he was most proud of was a father and husband. In that role of father and husband, Dick helped create many memories on the river from waterskiing to sandcastles to s'mores and hotdogs - he just wanted to shower us with love and make sure we had a good time. There wasn't a better day for Dick than being on the water with a cold drink in his hand and his kids playing in the sand. As his kids grew older, Dick and Darcy spent many hours traveling to and from sporting events. Dick was always giving his "coach's critique" after every game and, most of the time, his kids listened. As his kids finished playing sports and got married, Dick couldn't wait to be a grandpa. He was thrilled to be a grandpa for the first time on his and Darcy's anniversary in 2010. Dick was excited to become a grandfather two more times and learned of his fourth grandchild being on the way shortly before his passing. Dick was kind to everyone he met and would give his last dime or the shirt off his back if someone was in need. He loved unconditionally and believed anything could be solved with a hug. Dick is now dancing in heaven with his grandparents, his parents, Dorothy and Bud Hooks, and his beloved nephew, John P. Hooks. Dick will forever be missed by those whose lives he touched, especially his wife, Darcy Hooks; his brothers Doug and Pam Hooks and Rod and Sandy Hooks; his children, Brianna and Bryan Cless, Jessica and Blake Beekmann, Kaitlyn and Justin Bolger and Kyle Hooks; his grandchildren, Ava Cless, Ella Cless and Braxton Beekmann; and his nieces Dawn and David Hobbs, Jackie Hooks, Jenny and John Sylvia and Molly Hooks.