Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may be found in The Payson Chronicle and on our website at paysonchronicle.com.

Richard F (Dick) Hanks

Richard F Hanks, 85 passed away August 21, 2016 after a brief illness. He was born on June 19, 1931 in Salem, Utah at the home of his parents to Ernest C. and Sarah Ellen Hanks. He is a lifelong resident of Salem. He went to school in Salem and Spanish Fork and graduated from Spanish Fork High School. Richard was an accomplished athlete and enjoyed playing many sports.  

                                                                                                               

He served an LDS mission in Northern California. In 1954 he married his loving wife of 62 years, Jeannie Ray. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Washington State while serving in the US Army during the Korean War. While there, their daughter, Connie, was born. They moved back to Utah where their son, Mark was born. Richard graduated from BYU with a teaching degree and taught for over 30 years for Nebo School District. When retired, he enjoyed repairing small engines and the hobby turned into a home business, where he fixed mowers, tillers, snow blowers, and equipment of all types until retiring earlier this year.

He loved sports and excelled in many of them. He was an excellent golfer and taught his son, son-in-law and MANY grandchildren and friends the game. He enjoyed playing with them often. Richard would play a round of golf with anyone who was willing to play, even on short notice, often buying his companions’ round just so they might play. He had devoted friends, many can credit the beginning of their friendship to a sport, especially golf.

Richard said there were two kinds of people, his friends and people he had yet to meet. He was loyal father, husband, and friend. He was helpful and free with his advice (you better take it), friendly to all around him and a man of his word. He was an extremely charitable man, he helped many families with their missionary expenses, subbed for Santa, and fixed lawn mowers at no cost for those in need. He taught his family to give a full day's work and to be of service to others. He taught the kids to be prompt and on time (one of his children actually learned these traits). With Richard on time meant, 10 minutes before the time announced according to his watch and his watch was always set 10 minutes ahead of the actual time. He was a very hard worker and his efforts showed in his well kept home, yard, and garden. He had a green thumb and could make anything grow. His garden was always open to friends and neighbors and he shared the produce abundantly.  Richard was a High Priest, Ward Clerk, and dedicated Home Teacher, he truly cared about people and was always willing to help in any way that he could.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jeannie, his children Connie (Sam) McVey, and Mark (Annette) Hanks, both of Salem, twelve grandchildren and 7 1/2 great-grandchildren to date.  He also leaves behind his two sisters, Carol Talmage (Bountiful) and Linda Peery (Spanish Fork). He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Ernest G. Hanks.

Funeral services will be at the Salem 9th Ward Chapel, on Center Street and Main, Salem, Utah, on Saturday, August 27th at 11:00 am.  Burial with military honors will be in the Salem City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to the LDS General Missionary Fund or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at:   www.walkerobits.com