Doug Hooten, 74, of Arlington, passed away on July 20, 2017 at the Watkins Logan Veteran Home in Tyler, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the chapel of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home with Bro. Casey Perry officiating. There will be a Military Graveside at 2:15 p.m. at the D/FW National Cemetery. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Doug was born in Greenville, Texas on November 14, 1942 to William and Dorothy Garven Hooten. He married Cheryl Blacker on February 14, 2001 in Dallas, Texas. Doug had a love for sports and was active in the Greenville Athletics during his school days. He was proud of being a 3 year letterman for football, All-District Fullback, All-District Cornerback; 3 year letterman in Basketball; and 3 year letterman in Track. After graduation he signed a 4 year scholarship with Oklahoma State but had to come home early due to his father’s illness. He played defensive end and fullback for East Texas State University. He was instrumental in starting the football program for Evangel Temple and also coached track.
Doug was veteran serving with the U. S. Army during Vietnam. During his service he received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Army Commendation First Oak Leaf Cluster. He worked for 35 years with Minyard, retiring as grocery manager. He was a member of Mayfield Baptist Church in Arlington.
Doug is survived by his wife, Cheryl Hooten; son, James Hooten; daughter, Amy Dodgen; grandchildren, Amber Gant, Alec Sheats, Noah Sheats, Jimmy Hooten, Morgan Miller, Ethan Miller, Linsey Dodgen; great-grandchildren, Allisa England, Kayden Stanford; and nephew, Doug Hooten “Little Doug”.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Billy Wayne Hooten; and dog, Gizmo.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Allen, Harry Bond, Ray Montgomery, Ralph Parks and William Rhodes. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren; friends, Glen Anderson, John Burrell, Jerry Jolly, Linda Moore, Sam Perry, Mark Sheats and the Greenville High School Class of 1961.