Donald Hankins

Donald J. Hankins of Biloxi, died Sunday, May 25, 2008 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 72.
Born in Cleveland, Minnesota, one of five siblings, he attended the local high school and then the University of Minnesota. He graduated with a B.S. and an Air Force commission as a second lieutenant. After attending flying training, he served this country for twenty-eight years flying jet fighters and training the next generation of pilots. When he retired in 1985 and for many years after, he held the record for the most flying hours in the T-38 jet trainer.
Don married the former Joan Herbst in 1961 and fathered three children, Laura DiSilverio of Colorado Springs, CO; John of Clearwater Beach, FL; and James, currently stationed at Warner Robins, GA. He was Pop-pop to four beloved and loving grandchildren, Lily, Ellen, Jack and Will. He is also survived by his siblings, all in Minnesota: William Hankins, Francis Hankins, Mary Traxler, Madelyn Snyder and Bernard Hankins.
Friends are invited to join the Hankins family for visitation from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2008 at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m., Friday, May 30 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Gulfport with interment to follow at the National Cemetery in Biloxi. Please make donations to St. Mark's Episcopal Church Building Fund in lieu of flowers. """"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth â₦ and touched the face of God.""""