William Wilford Rooker, 62, of Ottumwa, died December 2, 2025 at his residence.
He was born September 9, 1963 in Ottumwa to Roger Allen and Sharon Kaye McSparen Rooker. He married Sherry Rae Sapp December, 1991 and they later divorced.
After graduating from Ottumwa High School in 1981, Bill joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in Germany. He had worked security at Excel, worked at his dad’s business, Rooker’s Big A and managed an auto parts store in Knoxville. Most recently, he was a truck driver.
Bill attended Bethany Baptist Church in his younger years. Growing up, he was close with his cousins, Amy, Beth and Jody who lived two doors away. He belonged to a go-cart group, enjoyed racing, especially NASCAR and working on and painting cars with his friends. He raced sprint cars at Knoxville and was a Tony Stewart fan. At one time, Bill owned a ’69 Chevelle convertible, which was his pride and joy.
Surviving is his sister, Robyn (Blaine) Moats of Grundy Center; a nephew, Bryce (Keela) Moats; 3 great-nephews, Uriah, Judah and Ezrah; several aunts including, Juanita “Nene”, Joyce, Fran and Ione; and several cousins, including Noelle “Nellie” (Brad) Barnes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, William and Elizabeth Rooker, whom he was very close with, and Philip and Elma McSparen; several uncles and aunts including, Charlie Rooker, Wayne Rooker and Stan Rooker, and a special cousin, Benji Rooker.
His body has been cremated. Military honors will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, December 8th at Reece Funeral Home conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion, followed by visitation with his family present to greet friends until 6 p.m. Monday.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society or to the family to be designated at a later date.
