We regretfully announce the passing of Collis Charles Hooks, 83. Collis passed away on January 13, 2024, after suffering from complications from multiple mini-strokes.

Collis was born to Elsie Louise Hooks and Collis Isaac Hooks on September 26, 1940, in Philadelphia. An independent and studious personality from the beginning, Collis was an excellent student and athlete. Collis graduated from Crown Point High School, Class of 1958, and immediately went on to study engineering at Valparaiso University where he received his bachelor’s degree in engineering. He continued to pursue his engineering education at Purdue.

After graduating from Purdue in 1964 with a master’s degree in civil engineering, Collis married his high school sweetheart Kathy Seeger on August 8, 1964 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, then they moved to Miller Beach, Indiana where Collis started his career in engineering at U.S. Steel. He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Engineers and the American Welding Society.

Collis and Kathy spent their days raising a variety of tropical fish, bonding with their nieces and nephews, helping Kathy’s parents and Collis’ father on the farm, and were deeply devoted to each other.

Collis later started his own firm, C.C. Hooks & Associates Engineering, P.C. in 1986 and ran a successful book of business until his retirement. In their retirement, he and Kathy enjoyed scuba diving, continuing working, gardening at the farm, traveling and sailing.

Collis is survived by his sister Diane DePaoli and his brother Brian Hooks along with several nieces, nephews and good friends. Predeceased by his wife Kathy Seeger Hooks, niece Dana DePaoli, and parents Elsie Louise Hooks and Collis Isaac Hooks.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1288 S. Indiana Ave. Crown Point, IN 46307 from 1:00 PM until the time of Collis’ Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 PM with Pastor Wendell Thacker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Collis’ name to the Salvation Army.

Visit Collis’ online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.