George Hankey

George Walter Hankey, 89, of Battle Creek died peacefully with his loving family at his side on Saturday morning, January 26, 2013 at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. He was born in Kalamazoo on August 3, 1923 the son of Albert R. and Elizabeth (Leeson) Hankey and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School.
George faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during WWII and was recalled to active duty from the Air National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He worked for more than 10 years at Michigan Carton and then served for more than 23 years at Kraft General Foods, retiring in 1984.
George married the “Love of His Life”, Beulah M. Fisher, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek on August 14, 1949; she survives. He is also survived by his sons, Michael K. (JoAnn) of Idaho and Steven R. (Arlene) Hankey of Bellevue; 4 grandchildren, Jason (Cindy), Josh (Amanda), Carrie and Shawn (Leslee); 7 great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Tristan, Abagail, Gabriel, Emma, Olivia, Atticus and a sister, Edith Lockwood. George was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Madison.

George truly enjoyed woodworking & building things, hunting, golfing, bowling and loved spending time with his wonderful family. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1958. A very loving and giving man in volunteering his service to others, George was also 65 year Life-member of Battle Creek Lodge #12 F&AM and was very active with the Battle Creek Shrine Club and the Mini-T Patrol. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #298 and the VFW Post #7956. George proudly served as a Charter Member and Past-President of the Wattles Park Men’s Club, a committeeman with Scout Troop #35 and also served on the board & credit committee for the Post Employees Credit Union. He donated and volunteered many hours at the VA Medical Center over more than 25 years and supervised the placement of the American Flags at Reese Cemetery for Memorial Day.
At the request of the family, they will receive friends 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where a Masonic Service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services to celebrate George’s life will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 31, 2013 at the funeral home with Rev. Patricia J. Weatherwax of First Presbyterian Church, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Shrine Hospitals for Children or the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in memory of George would be greatly appreciated.