Harry Clark Hankins, 86, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2011. He was born February 22, 1925 in Everton, Missouri to Joseph William and Mary Edith (Dickinson) Hankins. Harry graduated from Everton High School and then served in World War II in the 69th Infantry Division. Following his service in the Army, he married Nada Lee Fuller in 1945.
Harry worked for Link Motor Supply and then spent his working career with Campbell 66 Express until his retirement in 1985. Retirement allowed Harry to continue volunteering his time and talents to many organizations. His life was one of service – serving God as a long-time elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), serving country during World War II, serving the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield through Sertoma Club, serving his fellow human beings by providing transportation for those needing medical care, shopping for the elderly, and driving volunteers to their work stations. Harry enjoyed spending time with family and friends, gardening, reading, and American history. He could fix most anything and shared his talents with his kids and grandkids. He was an avid bowler and sports fan and loved following the Lady Bears, Lady Panthers, Cardinals, and any sport that his grandchildren were involved in.
He was very active in the Presbyterian Church and was a long-time member of Woodland Heights Presbyterian Church and now Westminster Presbyterian. He served as the Moderator of John Calvin Presbytery, as well as on other church committees.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers, Howard, George, and James Hankins, three sisters, Reta Garton, Mary Richards, and Elizabeth Steeley, and his first wife, Nada Hankins. Harry is survived by his wife, Virgie, of the home; two sons, Stanley (Susan), Louisville, KY and Joseph (Sara), Springfield; two daughters, Cynthia (Bryan) LaGree, Leawood, KS and Christy (Howard) Stewart, Springfield; step-son, Randall (Leah) Carter, Ft. Scott, KS; step-daughter, Rhonda Shaffer, Springfield. Harry was blessed with twenty-three grandchildren, including spouses, ten great grandchildren, with one on the way, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2011, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole. The family would like to invite friends and family to the visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 10th, at Greenlawn East. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may a made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1551 E. Portland, Springfield, MO 65804 in memory of Harry Hankins, or to the American Cancer Society, 3322 S. Campbell, Springfield, MO 65807.