Don Hancock

\ Don Hancock, 74, husband of Mary Haylee Hancock, died December 25 in Madisonville of complications from Parkinson's. Born in Dawson Springs, Ky in 1938, Don was a graduate of Dawson Springs High School, received a B.S. from Transylvania University ('61), and a Masters from the University of Kentucky ('66). After graduating from Transylvania, Don taught at Bryan Station Jr. High, and later served as Dean of Men, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Transylvania. In 1968, he was named the university's Faculty Member of the Year. While still in Lexington, Don volunteered with the Red Cross and YMCA, was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lexington and played trombone for Men of Note. In 1969, Don moved his family to Madisonville to establish the Western Kentucky branch of Thompson's Sanitary Supply House, which he operated until his retirement in 2001. Don's devotion to helping others was reflected in his record of community service. During his life in Madisonville, Don served on the boards of the Red Cross, YMCA, Kentuckiana Girl Scouts Council, Chamber of Commerce, First Christian Church, and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to his duties as board member, Don also worked tirelessly in the trenches for each of these organizations and others, whether it was heading up the YMCA fundraising drive, pushing for increased Boy Scout and Girl Scout enrollment, leading a committee for the Kiwanis Club, or teaching Sunday school. While Don's sincere compassion for others was shown through his years of community service, it was perhaps more significantly felt in his personal, everyday interactions with his fellow man. Don was the guy who made sure no newcomer felt like a stranger; if he was in the room, everyone felt welcome. When he asked, 'How the heck are you?', he really cared about your answer. Don could disarm an awkward moment with a smile and a friendly word, or light up a gathering with a really funny story and he had lots of those. His sense of humor and affinity for elaborate pranks was legendary. Don's friends were always happy to go along for the ride, as co-conspirators or cheerfully surprised targets of the joke, even if it involved something as outlandish as putting an old jalopy in a friend's front yard. Grandkids knew they could turn to Papa Don's closet for an endless supply of crazy hats, and that they could rely on him to be up for even the silliest of games, long after their parents had tired. Don enthusiastically sported an elf costume complete with tights and pointy shoes --to bring cheer to others in need of a smile at Christmas. He was willing to go a little further, stay a little longer or try a bit harder if it meant brightening someone's day. In keeping with his desire to make the world a better place, Don loved making music. He played in the Community Band for many years, was a member of the MCC Singers, and sang in the First Christian Church choir for over 40 years, stopping only when his health made it necessary. Dixieland jazz and gospel music were his favorites. He was preceded in death by his mother, Imogene Hancock Menser; father, Charles Hancock; his stepfather, Omer Menser, and a stepsister, Juanita Redman. \ \ In addition to his wife, Don is survived by a son, Chad Hancock (Shelly) of Lexington, and a daughter, Haylee Coberly (Bruce) of Franklin, TN; four grandchildren: Catarine Hancock, Harrison Hancock, Alexandra Coberly and Scott Coberly; two nephews, one niece, and numerous cousins. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 at Barnett Strother Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 at the funeral home with Rev. Don McLaughlin officiating. Burial will follow in Grapevine Cemetery. \ \ Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Church, 1030 College Drive, Madisonville, KY 42431. \ \