Bill Hankins, 76, Cross Plains

William E. Hankins, 76, of Cross Plains passed away at 5:10am, Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born on Hicks Ridge near Canaan in Jefferson County on September 30, 1942 the son of William H. and Lillian Shook Hankins. He was married to Carolyn Smith on March 23, 1967 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Michael (Joanna) Hankins of Westfield, and Mark Hankins of Canaan; two grandchildren Cody (Emily) Hankins of Noblesville, and Bailey Hankins of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Marvin, and his great-grandchildren Rory Nicole Hankins and Riley Alan Hankins. Mr. Hankins was a 1961 graduate of Cross Plains High School where he participated in the FFA and played basketball for the Wildcats. From June of 1964 until March of 1970 Bill served his country in the 375th Chemical Company of the US Army Air Reserves. His working career spanned several decades including jobs at the Madison State Hospital, Conn Organ in Madison, the Campbell Hausfeld Foundry in Harrison, Ohio, and Grote Industries in Madison where he retired in 2005 after a 14 year career. Bill also enjoyed working on his farm where he raised hay and tobacco. Bill was known in the community as an honorable man and a good neighbor. He was a member and Elder in the Jefferson Presbyterian Church near Canaan and was also an active member and former Master of the Versailles Masonic Lodge. Funeral services will be held 11:00am on Saturday, June 1st at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Korrinn Wood officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery near Cross Plains with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Friday from 5pm to 8pm with the Versailles Masonic Lodge conducting services at 7:45pm. Memorials may be given to the Salem Cemetery, Versailles Masonic Lodge, or Jefferson Presbyterian Church in care of the funeral home.