Dr. R. Irving (Irv) Van Hooser

Dr. R. Irving (Irv) Van Hooser, age 72, of Ankeny, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 5, 2020. Irv was born on August 24, 1948 in East Aurora, NY, the son of Harold and Esther (Summersgill) Van Hooser. He was married to his wife, Dottie for 43 years and they raised three children, Krista (Mike Perin), Ryan, and Mandi (Adam Mc Reynolds). He was preceded in death by his mother and father. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by two brothers, Gerald (Sherry) and David (Susan); sister Elaine (Phil) Vine; and two grandchildren, Ava and Amelia.

Dr. Van Hooser was a life-long learner, earning degrees from Clarks Summit University, Bob Jones University, and the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Over his 36-year career, he served as college faculty at Appalachian Bible College, Clarks Summit University, and Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary, where he also served as Chair of the Music Department. He served as Minister of Music at Bible Center Church of Charleston, WV, South Baptist Church of Flint, MI, Heritage Baptist Church of Clark Summit, PA, and Forestville Baptist Church of Cincinnati, OH. In addition to being a college professor, he was a licensed minister and enjoyed officiating weddings for his students and family, as well as teaching Adult Bible Fellowship classes.

He deeply loved his family and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Dottie, delighting in taking photographs of the many scenic views they encountered. Dr. Van Hooser was an avid supporter of the arts, regularly attending the symphony, opera, theater, and other live performances. He and his son, Ryan, were regulars on the bike trails of the Des Moines Metro, often logging 15 miles daily as they visited their favorite local coffee shops for chai lattes. He loved passing his hobbies onto his daughters, taking photography courses with Krista and whitewater rafting with Mandi. He treasured engaging in conversation and debate with his sons-in-law on a variety of topics. His granddaughters were the light of his life and he cherished spoiling them enormously. All of his family knew him as their greatest prayer warrior and cheerleader, encouraging them in all of their pursuits.

Dr. Van Hooser loved the Lord and served Him faithfully, teaching and leading the next generation of Christian servants. He fervently believed that mentoring mentors was the essence of teaching (2 Timothy 2:2) and poured his love for God, music, and ministry into thousands of students from around the world. He had the privilege of leading ten international choir tours, supporting missionaries in Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Belgium. These tours were a highlight of his career, an extension of his calling to minister to others, sharing the message of Christ through music.

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone).

We will be celebrating Dr. Van Hooser’s life and graduation to heaven on November 14 at Grand View Christian High School, 1701 E 33rd Street in Des Moines, IA. In lieu of a visitation, drive-by condolences are from 1:00-1:50 PM, followed by a service from 2:00-3:00 PM. Both events are open to the public; however, in accordance with local mandates, masks are required and families are asked to social distance when seated.

For those unable to attend, the Celebration of Life will be live streamed at https://reflectinghisimage.com/docvan.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund in Dr. Van Hooser’s name at Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary. This fund will be used to support students and further the pursuit of musical excellence at Faith. Contributions may be sent:
1. Electronically at faith.edu/give and then selecting the Dr. Irv Van Hooser Music Fund in the dropdown menu.
2. By phone at 800-409-3305 and specifying the Dr. Irv Van Hooser Music Fund.
3. By mail to FBBC&TS Advancement Department, 1900 NW Fourth Street, Ankeny, IA 50023 and specifying the Dr. Irv Van Hooser Music Fund.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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