Kansas City, MO: Daryl Gayle Hook was born March 13,1928 near Martinsville, Missouri and passed peacefully from this life May 12, 2022, at his home in Claycomo, Missouri. He was 94 years and 60 days of age at his passing.
Gayle was the youngest child of Thomas and Minnie (Glenn) Hook. He grew up in the town of Martinsville and graduated from Martinsville High School. After graduation he worked odd jobs including school janitor and school bus driver. He also worked many long and difficult harvest seasons in the wheat fields of Kansas.
In 1950, Gayle joined the US Army just prior to being drafted for the Korean War. He served two years, 8 months in Japan and 8 months in a fox hole on the front lines in Korea. He was smart, strong and had a sense of command about him. He advanced quickly to the rank of First Sergeant. Several of his fellow veterans stated they knew from the very beginning he would become their leader. He experienced many challenging times and saw a great deal of combat during his service. He sustained severe frostbite to his feet from which he suffered the rest of his life. After discharge from active-duty Gayle joined the Army Reserve and served until 1962.
Gayle loved to drive. On June 23,1953 he reported to Minneapolis, Minnesota where was hired as a driver by Jefferson Bus Lines. Gayle was dedicated to the company and advanced through the ranks becoming Senior Vice President and Chief Operating officer. He worked tirelessly and traveled extensively throughout the Jefferson Lines system. He retired December 31, 1990. However, he was retained by Jefferson as a consultant and negotiator for labor matters with various unions until 2012. In 2019 Jefferson lines celebrated its 100th year anniversary. It has been noted that due to Gayle’s 70-year affiliation with Jefferson Lines he had worked with all three generations of the Zelle family, the founders, and owners of the company.
Gayle has enjoyed many activities including extensive travel both throughout the US and abroad. For the last several years he has served on the Claycomo Board of Trustees, bringing his vast business and fiscal knowledge to this governing body.
He had a sharp mind and a quick wit. He had great stories that were not only interesting but so very funny. He was mischievous, kind, generous, fair, and a role model to all. His family was important to him, and he enjoyed every activity. Gayle was always very welcoming and accepting of the spouses of his children and grandchildren treating all as if they were his own.
He was preceded in death by so many of his friends and family including his parents, brother Kyle Hook, sister Madeline (Hook) Swartz and daughter-in-law Shawna (Deering) Hook.
He is survived by his wife and partner of 69 years, Dolores (Smith) Hook, of the home and children Deborah (Steve) Crossley, Thomas (Beth) Hook, Warren Hook, and former daughter-in-law Pamela Hook; twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial with Military Rites will follow in Kidwell Cemetery, Martinsville, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the VFW Post #2176 and/or Kidwell Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com