Obituary of Orrin Tooker

Orrin Wendell Tooker, age 81, of Abernathy, TX, left this life on Friday, September 16, 2011 in Lubbock, TX. He was born on May 7, 1930 in Abernathy to Gerthel Lowery Tooker and Orrin Albert (O. A.) Tooker. He grew up on the family farm near Lakeview, TX, and graduated from Abernathy High School and Texas Tech University. Orrin had two full careers. He farmed full time until 1971, at which time he joined the U.S. Post Office. The highlight of his 32 year postal career was in 1988 when he earned Rural Carrier of the Year for the State of Texas. He also served as a regional Rural Carrier Trainer for five years, leading training classes for new carriers throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Orrin was proud to be a Mason, joining the Yellowhouse Lodge at age 21. He was a Master Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a Shriner. He was a Past Worshipful Master of the Abernathy Masonic Lodge. Orrin is survived by his daughter Suzanne Tooker Gates and husband Steven Gates of Midlothian, TX, his son Kelly Tooker and wife Pamela Hartman Tooker of Hobbs, NM, one grandson Corporal Derek Tooker U.S.M.C. and wife Amber Aguilar Tooker of Andrews, TX, and four great-grandchildren Whitney, Lindzi, Erik, and Zachary. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services were Monday, September 19, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Abell Funeral Home in Abernathy, followed by a Masonic graveside service and interment at City of Lubbock Cemetery. Visitation was held at Abell Funeral Home from 1:00pm - 6:00pm on Sunday and the family received friends from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Services were under the direction of Abell Funeral Home and Flower Shop of Abernathy, TX. The family suggests memorial donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at www.michaeljfox.org/help_honorMemoryGifts.cfm or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, ATTN: Tribute Gifts, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780 Abell Funeral Home