John Daniel Rooker, age 78, was received into the arms of the Lord on November 3, 2016 in Dallas, TX with his wife by his side, after living a life full of love, laughter, and service to his country.

John was born October 10, 1938, one of three children born to John Peter and Helen Lup Rooker in East Chicago, IN. He married the love of his life, Gwendolyn Lee "Gwen" Chastain, on January 14, 1962 in Marysville, CA.

John graduated from Helix High School in La Mesa, CA in 1956. He loved and served his country for the next 55 years. He enlisted in the Air Force on January 21, 1957, and served 30 years until 1987, achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. John then devoted 25 years to service with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), retiring as Assistant Operations Manager in 2012.

The highlights of John's military service included flying with the Blue Eagles, an Air Force command post out of Hickam Air Force base in HI, and serving in the Alternate Pentagon at Raven Rock Mountain Complex, "Site R," in PA.

John was a loving husband to Gwen and devoted father to his two sons, Daniel and Brian. His two grandchildren, Glenny and Avalee, were the light of his life.

An avid outdoorsman, John's love of guns and hunting led to many hours of enjoyment. If it had a motor, John loved it – from his Harley Davidson to his RV, which carried John and Gwen on many trips to visit family across the country.  John had a great sense of humor and was a true "jokester," delighted whenever he pulled one over on you.

John was predeceased by his brothers Robert Eugene and Dennis Dorian Rooker. John is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Gwendolyn Lee Rooker of Denton, TX; son and son-in-law Daniel Lee Rooker Martin and Craig Anthony Martin, and their son Glendin Lee Martin, of Los Angeles, CA; and son and daughter-in-law Brian Earl and Jerri Nims Rooker, and their daughter Avalee Elizabeth Nims Rooker, of Atlanta, GA.

He was treasured by his family and will always remain in our hearts until we are united again in God's glory.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, November 6, 2016, at the Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors at 2025 W. University Dr., Denton, TX 76201 (940.383.4200).