Gilbert Loren Hanks

Gilbert Loren Hanks MARION-Gilbert Loren Hanks, 80, of Marion passed away at 5:05 PM, Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Herrin Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Edward “Shorty” Alsip officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Worley Cemetery, east of Marion. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147 and the National Guard. Memorials may be made to the Worley Cemetery Fund; envelopes are available at the funeral home of may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Hanks was born December 9, 1927 in Williamson County, Illinois to Alonzo and Mary Katherine (Klope) Hanks. He married Edith Mae Franklin on May 24, 1952 in Piggott, Arkansas; she preceded him in death on June 29, 2004. Survivors include his children, Debbie Kelton of Marion, Mickey Hanks of Marion, Keith and Jeanie Hanks of Buncombe, Gilbert, Jr. and Cynthia Hanks of Marion, Rebecca and Daniel T. Goins of Goreville, Nancy Cox of Marion, Elizabeth and Roger Hearn of Marion, Tracy and Paula Hanks of Marion, Lacey Hanks of Marion, and Mary Melissa Hanks of Jonesboro; fourteen grandchildren; several great grandchildren; sisters and brother-in-law, Fern Reynolds, Edith Little, Elsie and Bobby Black, Marquerite Rushing and Carrie Hensley; brothers and sister-in-law, Ruel and Mary Hanks and Richard Hanks; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; grandchildren, Susan Goins and Wayne West; two great grandsons; and two brothers, Freeman Dale Hanks and Lyman Hanks. Mr. Hanks retired from the United States Fish and Wildlife Refuge in 1989. He served his country with the United States Marine Corp. He loved to hunt, ride horses and spend time on his farm raising cattle.