Donald Ward Hanks

Donald Ward Hanks, 90, of Smithville, MO passed away February 6, 2012 at his home.

He was born in rural Platte County on January 14, 1922 to Clint and Myrtle (Lowman) Hanks. Ward grew up in Linkville, Nashua, and Smithville and graduated from Smithville High School in 1939. After high school Ward worked in the bomber plant in Fairfax until being drafted in March 1943. He was trained as an aerial gunner and served in the Army’s 9^th Air Force, in the 409^th Bomb Group, 641^st Bomber Squadron in World War II. He flew 65 bombing missions over France and Germany including two on D-Day. He was discharged in July 1945 with the rank of Staff Sgt.

In 1947 he married Mary Kathryn Byrd of Yazoo City, Mississippi and made their home in Smithville. Ward attended the St. Louis School of Mortuary Science graduating in 1946 and did his apprenticeship with George Carson Funeral Home in Independence, MO. In 1948 he joined S.A. McComas as a partner in the McComas Funeral Home in Smithville. In 1960 Mr. McComas retired and Ward renamed the business, D.W. Hanks & Sons Funeral Home. Ward operated the business until he retired in 1984.

Ward was a member of the First Christian in Smithville and served many years as an Elder and Treasurer. He filled out a term on the Board of Aldermen and served on the Smithville School Board for 18 years including the last 5 years as President. Ward was a 60 year member of the Smithville Kiwanis Club and was a past President. As a member of the I.O.O.F. he served as treasurer of the I.O.O.F. Cemetery for many years. Ward was also a long time member of the American Legion Post #58 in Smithville.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn; brothers, J.C., Clifford, Glen, Harrol, and Robert, and sister Virginia Summers.

Ward is survived by children; Don Hanks and wife Rita, Smithville, Glenda Cantwell, Smithville, Sarah Singleton and husband Shelby, Dearborn, MO, and Tom Hanks, Smithville; five grandchildren, Maj. Todd Hanks, Nancy Hanks, Randy Hanks, Erica McCullough, and Matt Witt and three great-grandchildren.; brother-in-law William Byrd, Yazoo City, MS; sister-in-law, Barbara Byrd, San Diego, CA; several nieces and nephews other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Service: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 9^th with visitation at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service at the Smithville Christian Church.

Burial: Smithville Memorial Cemetery

Donations may be made to the church or the Smithville American Legion.

Arrangements: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville