HANKS, Douglas L. "Doug" - b. September 1, 1960 - d. February 17, 2021

[patyrn]

Douglas L. Hanks, age 60, of Howard, Kansas, passed away suddenly on February 17, 2021 at Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, Kansas.  He was born in Mansfield, Missouri on September 1, 1960 to Richard and Wanda (Raney) Hanks.  The family made their home in Lebo, Kanas where Doug attended and graduted from high school and raised a little cain.

After graduation, Doug worked at Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant as a crane signalman.  One of his favorite memories there was guiding a reactor in place.  After completion of Wolf Creek, Doug moved to Longton, Kansas where he coached several ball teams, umpired countless games, was active with the Lions Club, and became the City Marshall.  This would be the start of a 36-year career in law enforcement except for a six-month hiatus where he tried his hand as a chicken farmer in Grove, Oklahoma. 

He then became the Chief of Police for the city of Cedar Vale, Kansas before moving back to Elk County where he was employed at the Elk County Sheriff's Office.  In 2004, Doug was elected Elk County Sheriff where he served the citizens of Elk County for the next 16 years, stepping down just this past month.  Over the years, Doug has made many friends and served with a grateful heart, always willing to help those in need.  His dedication and love for the citizens in Elk County was apparent in all his actions.  He was a mentor and a teacher to many.  His fairness to all was evident in comments made by even those he had arrested or by those who had received tickets.

On September 9, 2000, Doug was united in marriage to Kristina Dixon, and the couple was blessed with a son, Rocky.  Doug, Kristy, Rocky, and Rita (if they let her tag along) loved traveling, catching the shows at Branson, attending the Royals games, going out to eat, or watching one of Rocky's games.  He also enjoyed woodworking, playing video games, and playing with his dogs.  Doug loved giving children money to buy toys or candy out of the quarter machine or spoiling them with a treat their parents wouldn't approve of.  He was generous, giving his last dollar more than once, and even the literal shirt off his back in a few emergencies.  Those that knew him personally would agree he may have been a little set in his ways, or you might even say he was just plain hardheaded.  Doug was very proud and always protective of his family. 

Doug's memories will live on with his wife, Kristy; children, Gypsy (Rob) Hanks-Boetefuer, Richard (Nicole) Hanks, and Rocky Hans; brothers, Randy (Connie) Hanks and Mike (Donna) Hanks; sister, Marla (Frenchie) Frye; aunts, Dorothy Snavely and Ruby Snavely; uncle, Ernest Rany; grandchildren, Malcom Raynor, River Boetefuer, Remington Hanks, and Willow Hanks; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He now rests with his parents and his mother-in-law, Rita Dixon.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the West Elk High School Gymnasium in Howard, Kansas.  Burial will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery in Grenola, Kansas.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at the Flint Hills Assembly of God Church on Highway 99 in Howard, Kansas from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The family suggests memorials to the Elk County Sheriff's Office Safety Fund, and they may be sent in care of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Avenue, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337.  To share a memory or leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

(taken from the Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel website)