Mr. Donnie Herman Hankins, age 80, of Bennington, Indiana, entered this life on August 19, 1946 in Bennington, Indiana. He was the son of the late David Cecil and Eva Lee (Davis) Hankins. The family moved to Aurora, Indiana, where he attended school. On January 14, 1977, Donnie was united in marriage to Debra Sue Henry in Aurora, Indiana. This union was blessed with a daughter, Misty and a son, Jason. Donnie was a hardworking man who provided for his family through many years of labor and construction work. He was employed as a union laborer and worked for RHC Construction in Aurora, Indiana, until retiring at the age of 55. He was a member of the Laborers International Union of North America Local #741 in Bloomington, Indiana. Donnie was a true outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also had a love for collecting antiques and took pleasure in the stories and history behind the treasures he found over the years. More than anything, Donnie enjoyed socializing and spending time with his family and friends. Family was an important part of Donnie’s life, and he shared an especially close bond with his sister, Mable. The two remained very close throughout the years and rarely let a day pass without talking to one another on the phone. Their daily conversations were something they both looked forward to. Those who knew Donnie will fondly remember his wonderful sense of humor. A jokester at heart, he was always ready with a funny story, a quick remark, or a good joke. Donnie simply loved making people laugh and could easily bring a smile to those around him. The laughter, stories, and memories he shared throughout his life will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends. Donnie passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at his residence.
Donnie is survived by his daughter, Misty Hankins of Bennington, IN; his son, Jason Hankins of Bennington, IN; his granddaughter, Mackenzie Kidwell of Harrison, OH; his sisters, Mable Carver of Rising Sun, IN, Susie Scarber of Rising Sun, IN, and Helen Davies of Aurora, IN; and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Cecil Hankins, died October 20, 1975; his mother, Eva Lee (Davis) Hankins, died November 24, 1981; his brothers, David C. Hankins, died August 21, 2004 and George Ora Hankins, died February 19, 2015; his sisters, Rose M. Hankins, died December 6, 1948, Freda Jean Smith, died January 21, 1991, Emma Lee McDole, died May 8, 2009, and Reba Jane Hankins, October 16, 2011; and his special close nephews, David Luther McDole, died April 4, 2011 and Paul Douglas McDole, died May 1, 2021.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Interment will follow in the Slawson Cemetery, Bennington, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Interim Hospice. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com