Condolence From: Stephanie Summers
Condolence: I remember hanging out with the Mr. and Mrs. Hankins! We loved playing in the playhouse, climbing trees, and running all over playing football in the yard, too. They let us play up in the playroom upstairs when it was too hot outside, and we appreciated the sweet treats and special time with them. I remember watching Mrs. Hankins make a checkerboard cake, and Mr. Hankins let us help with almost any tool or job that was to be done. My sister, Daphne, already posted here. We lived in a house behind the Hankins, and I have many fond memories of their kindness and good times together with them.
Sunday May 07, 2017
Condolence From: Daphne Kolb
Condolence: I am so sorry for your family's loss! I grew up in one of the houses that backs up to Mr. Hankins property. My parents, the McDaniel's still live there. I believe it was after he retired that Mr. Hankins built the playhouse in his backyard. I'm sure he really built it for his grandkids but he ALWAYS would let my siblings and I and all the other neighbor kids go inside and play. He and his wife would invite us in for snacks and drinks especially in the summer when it was hot. We spent countless hours in that playhouse! They were always more than willing to buy something from our school fundraiser even though they had grandkids living nearby. As I got older, I remember Mr. Hankins helping hang the American flags during important holidays like Veterans Day or Memorial Day. You would see him out there no matter the weather making sure all the flags looked perfect. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed!
Wednesday May 03, 2017
Condolence From: mickey kerr
Condolence: We met Gene when we started delivering Meals on Wheels to his Greenhaven neighborhood in 2014. Weather permitting he would meet us in the front yard to receive his meal. He was always a gentleman with a very pleasant demeanor. It saddened us when he had his stroke and the deterioration that followed, but we still enjoyed visiting with him. We met each of his sons and some of the members of their families. It was obvious how much they all loved him. We offer them our condolences. We will always have very fond memories of Gene.
Mick and Candy Kerr
Liberty, Mo.
Sunday April 30, 2017
Condolence From: Craig Swenson
Condolence: I first met Gene Hankins as a youngster in the early days of Greenhaven Annex in Kansas City North. It was a neighborhood of
WWII Veterans, Homemakers and an abundance of “baby boomers”. Included in this description were Gene and Doris Hankins,
who had three boys; Bob and Judy Stevens, who had three girls; and Harry and Ruth Swenson, who had three boys. All their children were close in age and were seemingly destined by proximity and other factors to become good friends. Anyone in the neighborhood who went to church, played Little League baseball, had anything to do with the Cub Scouts or a host of other activities knew the Hankins boys and also knew Gene Hankins. I was the middle Swenson boy and I was involved in most all these activities. In everything I did, Gene was
there to provide me instruction, guidance and support. But it wasn’t just me. It was anyone in the neighborhood who needed help or a little encouragement that would benefit from Gene’s calm and positive manner. You just couldn’t help but like him! Gene’s mentoring had a positive impact on me growing up in KC and even later as an adult. It was always clear to me that he also had a very positive impact on his three sons, as I saw them being active and very successful in all aspects of life in High School. Their success carried on into their
adult lives as well, as both Bob and Tom became very successful lawyers, and Bill became a recognized teacher and a renowned photojournalist! My recollection of Gene’s encouragement to me (and others) was to believe in yourself, and to do what needed to be done, because you could do it if
you really tried! Years later, Gene once said to me in a letter, “As you grow older you become more aware of just how great it is to have a nice family.” Gene had a especially nice family of which he was immensely proud. His family is equally proud of Gene, and the legacy he leaves behind will carry on forever!
Friday April 28, 2017
Condolence From: Janet Aguilar
Condolence: We were so sorry to hear of Gene Hankins passing. I am the mother of Deedra Stoneking Davis that lives across the street from Gene. Any time I would be at her house doing yard work, Gene would always come over and ask if he could help me in any way. One time he brought his rider over to help even though I told him that wasn't necessary. He was anxious to help this old lady out. Another instance, I was working in the yard and Gene had to leave home for something but he was expecting his "meals on wheels" to arrive. He ask if I would retrieve that meal for him. He was always interested in making Greenhaven special that he would paint their signs, discard any trash, be sure the American flag was flying on those special days, have donuts ready when there were those neighborhood cleanup days. He even worked at Hallmark with my cousin, Jerry England and showed me a dictionary that Jerry had given to him. I didn't live in the neighborhood but he made everyone feel as they did. Oh yes, he will be missed in the Greenhaven neighborhood, that helping hand and proud of his service to our country. We have lost a dear friend.
Sadly, Janet Aguilar
Deedra Davis
Savannah Ranes
Callahan Ranes
Dustyn Stoneking Parsons
Thursday April 27, 2017
Condolence From: Marie Taylor
Condolence: I am so sorry to hear of Gene's passing away. He was a delightful man to be around, the only time that might not be true was the time we tangled with the poison ivy back in Greenhaven! He was a true gentleman & I know he will be sorely missed. So sorry for your loss.
Thursday April 27, 2017
Condolence From: Jim Brown
Condolence: Bob, Bill and Tom.........so sorry to hear about you Dad. Every since I saw the notice in the KC Star, I have been on a marathon memory trip, the funny part is that so many things from so long ago are hard to remember, but the memories of your Mom and Dad, playing together when you lived on 55th st and the bicycle rides to your new house when you moved are very clear to me. Bob and I in Cub Pack 252, playing baseball on teams that your Dad managed and my Dad helped to coach. Me and Sherry Clary riding with Bob in the small car that had turn signals on the "B" pillars, can't remember what kind it was.....Your Dad was one of those elements in my growing up that has always and will always be with me.
Again....sorry for your loss , please accept my sincere condolences.
Jim Brown
Wednesday April 26, 2017
Condolence From: Dan and Doni Hatfield
Condolence: How blessed we were to have known and enjoyed this wonderful man for the 10 years we lived in Greenhaven.
His military service, his kindness, his smile, and his faith we will fondly remember. Prayers for your family during this time.
Wednesday April 26, 2017
Condolence From: Sheryl Dutro
Condolence: I am so sorry to hear about Gene'S passing. He was always such a kind man that treated Nicole, myself and the rest of John's girls just like family. His kindness and generosity will be greatly missed.
Wednesday April 26, 2017
Condolence From: Tom Stout
Condolence: Very difficult to go through this in many ways, yet what a celebration of life he had. Wish all people could have his attitude and dedication and love. He and your mom raised the best 3 sons around. My prayers are among many for your families.
Wednesday April 26, 2017
