It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dwayne Russell Hool, a beloved husband, father, grandfather (“Papa”/”Bumpa”), and friend, who left us on September 20, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest in Waco, TX, following an unexpected surgery. Dwayne had recently celebrated his 70th birthday.
A Celebration of Life to honor Dwayne will be held 2pm Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Lake Shore Funeral Home, Waco, TX. The family warmly invites friends to gather at their home in Elm Mott following the ceremony.
Born on September 7, 1954, in Pontiac, Michigan, Dwayne was the son of Carl and Jerine (Jansen) Hool. Tragically, he lost his mother and middle sister, Debra, in a car accident when he was just 18 months old. After this heartbreak, Dwayne lived with his father and older sister, Darlene, in the home of his maternal grandparents, Bill and Anna Jansen, in Linden, MI. In 1958, Dwayne’s father remarried Lillian Koehler, and the family moved to Columbiaville, MI, where Dwayne’s younger brother, Rick, was born. Dwayne graduated from LakeVille High School in 1972.
In 1973, Dwayne married his high school sweetheart, Ann Stockton, and they welcomed their first child, Amy Ann. While working for the UAW at Chrysler and attending the University of Michigan, Dwayne’s family grew with the birth of his son, Douglas Dwayne, in 1978. After nearly a decade of balancing work and studies, Dwayne proudly earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Following his divorce from Ann in 1983, he embraced the challenges of single parenthood, gaining full custody of their two children.
In 1984, Dwayne met the love of his life, Margaret Conkel. They married by the end of June, and Dwayne embraced her children, Raymond Dale and Erin Michelle, as if they were his own from the very beginning. The family first settled in Sanger, TX, before relocating to Abbott, TX, in 1989 when Dwayne accepted a position with eSystems/Chrysler Technologies. Over the years, Dwayne and Margaret enthusiastically supported their children’s sports teams and celebrated their achievements as they graduated from both Sanger and Abbott High Schools.
In 1994, Dwayne and Margaret welcomed their first grandson, Jordan Dwayne, who quickly became the light of “Bumpa’s” life. As his family continued to grow, Dwayne joyfully embraced his role as a grandfather and by 2002 had adopted the title of “Papa,” with nine more grandchildren to love born over the next 13 years.
Dwayne enjoyed a long and fulfilling career at Chrysler Technologies, contributing through its many transitions until his retirement from L3 in 2014. In 2001, he and Margaret moved to the Chalk Bluff area of Waco, TX, and then to Elm Mott, TX, in 2008, where they enjoyed sixteen happy years. Dwayne found joy in restoring his father’s vintage Allis Chalmers tractor and spent countless hours in his workshop. In 2014, he found a loyal companion in his rescue dog, Tucker, and the two formed an inseparable bond.
In retirement, Dwayne and Margaret explored the world, eagerly checking off adventures from his bucket list. Dwayne took immense pride in visiting all seven continents and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. A passionate Michigan Wolverine football fan (GO BLUE!), he often lamented their struggles during the season, but nothing compared to the joy he felt when they won the National Championship in 2024. An avid bowler, Dwayne and Margaret participated in league bowling throughout their relationship, and just days before his passing, he celebrated an impressive 600 series.
Dwayne is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Jerine Hool; stepmother, Lillian Hool; sister, Debra Hool; and brother, Rick Hool. He is survived by his sister, Naomi “Darlene” Hool-Walker; his loving wife of 40 years, Margaret; and their children: daughter, Amy (Don Sivils) and their son, Jordan (Kaily); son, Douglas (Lindsay) and their children, Andy and Simone; son, Raymond (Amanda) and their children, Skye, Morgan, Alex, and Houston; and daughter, Erin (Jeff Progelhof) and their children, Sydney, Hanna, and Carter.
Donations in Dwayne’s memory and in honor of his beloved dog, Tucker, can be made to the Animal Birth Control Clinic of Waco at Donate | animalbirthcontrol.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
To the Hook family the Lovelace family sends our condolences. We’re praying for you all….May God give you all strength in your time of bereavement.
To the Hool family the Lovelace family sends our condolences. We’re praying for you all….May God give you all strength in your time of bereavement.
Dwayne was one of my favorite people to work with.
Always got the job done but always ready for a little
Humor also. Truly cared about people and earned everyone’s respect. A truly good person.
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your father!
Margaret and Family, You’re in my thoughts and prayers in your grief in your loss of Dwayne. God comfort you and give you peace in this difficult time. Sincerely, Donna Johnson
I worked with Dwayne for several years at L-3. He was a true friend and mentor — always ready to lend a hand or listen to a vent. The world was a better place with him in it. My condolences to Margaret and his family.
My heart is with all of you in this difficult time. I have many fond memories of Dwayne and his antics!!!
Enjoyed a lunch with Dwayne on his last trip to Michigan. Everyone was shocked to learn his unexpected passing. He will be sorely missed by his Lakeville High School graduation class alumni and everyone who knew him. Our deepest condolences to his wife Margaret and his extended family.
Dwayne you had such a great sense of humor and were a pretty good bowler! I am glad I got to know you through bowling. You will definitely be missed. My prayers go out to Margaret and all the family, I pray for strength to get through your loss.
Dwayne will be missed by so many of his “long ago” friends and classmates from LakeVille. He was one of the fastest runners on the track team and always quick with a smile. Former LHS “72” classmates have made a donation to the Animal Birth Control Clinic of Waco in honor of Dwayne and his beloved dog, Tucker. Remembering Dwyane fondly are:
Duane Church, Steve Jenkins, Dan Mishler, Gerry Schell, Mike Young, Les Amon, Randy Rude, Bob Badgley, Les Weaver, and Ralph Templeton.
When Dwayne passed I lost one of the best friends I ever had. The way he helped me in my time of need was something few people would ever do, especially for someone they hadn’t known long. His sense of humor always left me smiling. I will think of him every day. Goodbye dear friend.
Dwayne was always a class act at work and helping to dissolve problems. We worked so close on the MH-60M program and traveled to Kentucky many times. I know he loved the Big Blue and last year was a great season. I listened to Bob Seger in his honor today. Dwayne will be missed and in my memories.
Ken hodge
Margaret, this is Wanda’s sister, Bertha. I was so very sorry to hear of Dwayne’s sudden passing. I have prayed for you and Wanda and Gary continuously since I heard. He was a great friend to Wanda & Gary and I know they will miss him.
Margaret and family, Gary and I are so, so sad to learn of Dwayne’s passing. We both are devastated by his loss. We both are so sad our last planned weekend did not happen. Canasta will never be the same without Dwayne. Nor will wine tasting! Sending love and hugs. Wanda and Gary
I worked on several projects with Dwayne at L3 Communications. Dwayne always treated people with respect and kindness. Dwayne kept his sense of humor even in the challenging times of a program. He will be truly missed!