SPRINGFIELD - Earnest A. Hanks, 81, was born Dec. 23, 1923, in Bragg City, the son of Ackland and Joie Hanks, and passed away on July 5, 2005, in Strafford.
Earnest served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged on May 3, 1946.
On March 14, 1947, he was united in marriage with Polly Box and to this union one son was born.
During the late 1940s, Earnest was baptized and became a member of the Church of Christ. For many years he served as an elder in the Shady Acres Church of Christ in Sikeston where he was active in personal evangelism, visiting the sick and working as a marriage counselor. Earnest and Polly were very active with their church, supporting Harding University and the Bootheel Youth Camp as well as the Shady Acres Youth Home. He was a good example for the young people and children of all ages. He was a great teacher, telling parables to illustrate his points. In Lake City, Ark., Festus and Sikeston, he was also active in the Boy Scouts as a scoutmaster.
For many years, Earnest worked for the Frisco/Burlington Northern Railroad, retiring after 40 years of service as a freight agent. During his free time, he loved to go fishing, play bluegrass music and work in his garden with flowers and vegetables. Also he enjoyed baking, french bread being his speciality.
Earnest is survived by his wife, Polly, of the home; one son and daughter-in-
law, Dr. Michael and Araceli Hanks of Springfield; one brother, Lonnie Hanks of Sacramento, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jessica Hanks, Alfredo Hanks and Gabriela Hanks of Springfield; and numerous other family and dear friends.
Funeral services were held Friday in the Thieme-Shadel-Hicks Funeral Service's Rivermonte Chapel.
Burial with full military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.
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Memorial contributions
may be made to:
Project Hope Inc.
1973 S. Forrest Heights
Springfield, MO 65809
Paid obituary