It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Hankins, 79, who peacefully departed on January 30, 2025, at his home in McKinney, Texas, after a courageous seven-month battle with cancer. He was born on July 6, 1945 in Bunavista, Texas to Ralph and Louise (Earl) Hankins. He grew up in a close-knit community in Borger, Texas and graduated from Borger High School in 1963, where he met the love of his life, Winna Mae (White) Hankins. Jerry was known for his quick wit and had a unique ability to make those around him laugh, often when they needed it most. He graduated from Frank Phillips College in 1965 and then from West Texas State University in 1967. He and Winna were married June 3, 1967 and immediately moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where he started his life-long career with Aetna Life and Casualty. He was deeply honored to receive the esteemed E.E. Cammack Leadership Award, a recognition that reflected not only his exceptional professional contributions but also his commitment to guiding and inspiring others within the company. Jerry’s career took him to various states but the majority of his career was spent in the Dallas area where he and Winna raised their daughters. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf, fishing, going to Maverick games, watching the Dallas Cowboys and coaching Becky and Emily’s soccer and basketball teams. He was a member of First Christian Church in Garland, where he served as a deacon. He cherished the bonds he built throughout his life, and those friendships were a constant source of joy and strength for him, especially in his final months. He retired from Aetna in 1999 and he and Winna spent the next 15 years as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). They continued their service to CASA in Gainesville, Texas when they moved to Lake Kiowa, Texas. They were privileged to assist in the adoption of 35 children. Jerry was an active member of First Christian Church Gainesville. For the past 30 years, he has been entertained and loved by his six grandchildren. He loved attending their countless games, plays, choir concerts, as well as, driving them all over the country on various adventures.
He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Winna (White) Hankins; his daughters, Becky Crane and Emily Hensel and her husband, Thomas; grandchildren, Austin Crane, Carly Crane and her husband Matthew Morse, Katy Crane, Hunter Westbrook, Addie Westbrook, Cassidy Crane, Trace Hensel and Reese Hensel; niece, Lori Mangum and her husband, Andy; and several great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Darlene Hollabaugh and his nephew, Scott Hollabaugh.
For those wishing to honor Jerry's memory with a donation, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the following charities, all of which were dear to his heart.
Cal Farley’s Boy Ranch
North Texas Food Bank
Court Appointed Special Advocates of North Texas
Her Journey, Inc
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025 at First Christian Church, 1800 West Hunt Street, McKinney, Texas 75069.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.