CENTERBURG – Don Carl Hankins, 87, of Centerburg, passed away at home on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. He was born in Tazwell County, Virginia on Jan. 15, 1935 to the late Timothy L. and Lola Mae (Brewster) Hankins. He married Sherry Cecelia Sallette on July 2, 1955, and she survives.
Don attended Highland High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1952. He climbed through the ranks, reaching the rank of Gunnery sergeant. Over his career, Don served a total of 20 years. He retired from the United States Marine Corp in 1972. After retirement, Don spent his time working as a brewing superintendent for Anheuser Busch. Don was also a farmer, caring for his crops and fields in the off time of work.
Don was known as a straightforward man. He was known by all as an honorable marine, farmer and man. He loved his bib overalls and bluegrass music. He was a tough man until his grandchildren mellowed him out over the years.
When Don wasn’t working or tending to the farm, he loved fishing, taking many trips with family to Michigan for some of the best fishing. Don was also an avid John Deere tractor collector, making quite a collection over his years.
Left to cherish his memory along with his wife, Sherry, are two daughters, Vicki L. Park of Centerburg and Melinda “Gayle” (Sam) Weaver of Centerburg; five grandchildren: Graham (Brittany) Burns, Brianna (Benjamin) Holschuh, Ethan Park, Cheyenne Weaver and Larissa Park; two great-grandchildren: Chloe and Madalyn; one brother-in-law, George Reffitt; and many other family members and friends. Don was preceded in death by his two brothers, Charles and Jamie Hankins; and three sisters, Janet Puckett, Betty Reffitt and Shirley (Kay) Parmer.
A service to honor Don’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3 at the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, 637 State Route 61, Sunbury, 43074. Visitation to be held Monday, Jan. 2 at the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial to occur privately. The DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hankins family. To leave a condolence, or to share a memory, please visit SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
