John was a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, having served as a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War. Following his military career, he was an instructor of engineering at Southern University and was a certified flight instructor for Nifty Aire.
John G. Hanks, Col USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on September 22, 2009.
John Gardner Hanks, 78, a native of Baton Rouge and resident of Baker, passed away at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009.
He was a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, having served as a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War. Following his military career, he was an instructor of engineering at Southern University and was a certified flight instructor for Nifty Aire.
He was an avid musician, singer and guitar player his entire life.
A memorial visitation [was] at Greenoaks Funeral Home, Baker, LA
John is survived by his wife, Doris Ferguson Hanks; sons, Ronald E. Hanks and wife Catherine P. Hanks, of Fairhope, Ala., and William J. Hanks and wife Paige S. Hanks, of Huntsville, Ala.; daughters, Judy Hanks-Henn and husband Jay M. Henn, of Kensington, Md., and Jerri Hanks Smith and husband T. Evan Smith, of Houston; brothers, Dalton M. Hanks Jr. and Kenneth G. Hanks, both of Baton Rouge, and Willard M. Hanks, of Tallahassee, Fla.; grandchildren, Jason E. Hanks and wife Anna S. Hanks, Gentry P. Hanks, Harper Lee Henn, John Jay Henn, Jacqueline T. Smith, Connor A. Smith, Jackson M. Hanks and Jordan P. Hanks.
John was a member of the AOPA, EAA, Super Sabre Society, Military Officers Association of America, Castoff Square Dance Club, O.B.’s Boyz Band, Zoar Baptist Church and the Civil Air Patrol.
The family would like to thank the staff of Highland Hospice for their loving care in their time of need. Special thanks to Mary Beth and Denise.
A memorial visitation at Greenoaks Funeral Home.
Published in The Advocate from September 24 to September 25, 2009
