Leon Nelson Hooks, Sr. (Hookerman), 79, passed away on January 14, 2025 after a brief illness. Leon was born on March 18, 1945 in Erie, PA to the late Edward Louis Taylor, Sr. and Rachel Deloache Hooks.

He was educated in the Erie School District including Longfellow School. Leon attended various adult education programs. He was employed by several companies including Erie Insurance and Joseph McCormick Construction before retiring. Leon always had a thirst for knowledge which led him to explore different faiths including Islam. He was currently serving as an Elder at Abundant Life Ministries.

Leon loved his community. He was involved in many programs trying to uplift the community including C.A.M. and United Softball League. This love moved him to become the founder of the Al-Fatihah and JFK Untouchable Drill Teams. Through these teams Leon inspired a multitude of Erie youth to pursue positive fulfilling lives.

Leon never met a stranger. He had the gift of gab and the memory of an elephant to back it up. Besides sharing memories, he loved gardening, cooking, fishing, watching the news and sports and more recently sitting in the park with the "scooter gang". Let's not forget he was definitely a stylish man. Leon was really passionate about his family and served as a father figure to anyone in need.

Besides his parents, Leon was preceded in death by, his maternal grandparents Nelson and Viola Deloache, paternal grandparents Mac and Lola Ann Taylor, a special aunt Mary Jones, brothers Abdul Halim (Lorenzo Hooks) and Ralph Childs Jr., sisters Rachel Deloache and Edith Hooks Henderson. Leon also had several paternal siblings.

Leon will be remembered and missed by all he came into contact with, especially his family. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Carol, sons Rahman, Hakeem, and Leon Hooks Jr. all of Erie and Carlos Carter (Randi) of Colorado. He also leaves his daughters Pasha Prioleau (Patrick) of Atlanta, GA and Angela Q. Starks (Aaron) of North Carolina. Leon is further survived by his stepchildren (whom he loved as his own) Carletta (Kimberly), Carlos (Luvetria), and Tamika Tate. To continue Leon's legacy are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great grandchildren including A'jaza who served as his caretaker.