ANKENY, Iowa—Dr. R. Irving Van Hooser, minister of music and college music professor, died Nov. 5. He was 72.
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 was served chair of the Music Department.
Dr. Van Hooser 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 10 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.
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 also served as minister of music at Bible Center Church, Charleston, West Virginia; South Baptist Church, Flint, Michigan; Heritage Baptist Church, Clark Summit, Pennsylvania; and Forestville Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dottie; their children, Krista Perin, Ryan, and Mandi McReynolds; and two grandchildren, Ava and Amelia.
