June 23, 1925 — Oct. 13, 2014

Edward Hankins Sr., 89, of Cassopolis, passed away Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, at his residence.

A gathering of family and friends will meet on Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, Michigan. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles.

Edward was born June 23, 1925, in Dowagiac to his parents Roy and Ruth (Wade) Hankins. He married the love of his life Grace Boerman on March 27, 1948 in Decatur, Michigan. Edward retired from SPX Contact in 1990. He also was contractor, painter and known to be a Jack of All Trades.

In his early days he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He liked playing cards and checkers. Edward was family orientated. His favorite movies and TV shows were the 1950s and 60s westerns. You could find his chewing on black licorice and spice gum balls.

He is survived by his children, Carol (Neil) Pence of Cassopolis, MI, Diane (Dwight Jackson of Niles, MI, Suzanne (Rick) Johnson of Elkhart, Indiana, Duane Hankins of Michigan, Mary (Robert) Wilds of Cassopolis, Michigan and Julie Hankins of Elkhart, Indiana; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild; one sister Catherine Campbell of Battle Creek, Michigan. Edward was preceded by his parents; wife; son Edward Jr.; daughters, Patti Spooner and Kathleen Swank; sisters, Sadie Hankins, Viola Franklin, and Edna Campbell; a brother, Francis Gorman.

Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Please take the opportunity to sign his guestbook and share a memory or leave a condolence at www.clarkch.com.