Donald Roe Hankins (1913-2004)

HANKINS, ROE, MELOHN, COOK, BOTEN, WILKENING

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:11

From Nevada Journal April 22, 2004 (page 7)

Donald Roe Hankins
June 5, 1913, to April 7, 2004

Donald Roe Hankins was born June 5, 1913, in Fernald, Iowa to Jessie (Roe) and Goldmer Hankins.

He attended school in Nevada, Iowa, where he played basketball and football, winning the gold awards in both sports. He attended school with his future wife of 71 years, Caroline Melohn. They graduated in 1932. Don and Caroline were married on November 9, 1932, in Morrison, Illinois. They had two daughters, Sharon and Sheryl, and two sons, Jo and Gary.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, a baby daughter, Sharon, at 6 months, and another daughter Sheryl, his brothers, Junior and Glen Hankins and his sister, Evelyn Cook.

on is survived by his wife, Caroline, sons Jo and Gary, Jo's wife Carolyn and son Michael, and Gary's wife, Karen, and their daughter, Debbie and sons Gary and Donald.

Don is also survived by his sisters, Virginia Boten and Vivian Wilkening, both of Nevada, and their families, and the families of Glen Hankins and Evelyn Cook. Don is also survived by his dear friends and neighbors from the greater Phoenix area, Sun City and Nevada, Iowa.

on and Caroline lived in Nevada until moving to Phoenix in 1954, and later to Sun City. Don enjoyed golf, pool, big band music, and Saturday night dances with Caroline. He also loved playing cards and visiting with his friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed home improvements, car maintenance, and gardening.

Among the many special times during their 71 years together, Don and Caroline celebrated their 50th and 70th wedding anniversaries with family and friends.

Don spent his last days at home as he wished, surrounded by his loving family and friends, with whom he shared many memories. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments and shared his appreciation with everyone--family and friends. Don will be greatly missed by all who knew him.