Died April 3, 2023
Douglas Carter Hankins, 88, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully in the early hours of April 3 after saying goodbye to his family.
Doug was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 9, 1934, to parents Esther (Oja) Hankins and Taylor Hankins.
The family moved to Sterling and built a home on Kocot Road. That would be where Doug eventually also put a house and lived the rest of his life with his wife Edda (Schneider) Hankins whom he met in the Army when he was stationed in Germany.
He was a state certified master mechanic in Bay City for most of his career, working at Harold’s Auto.
Doug enjoyed fishing whenever possible and camping with his family in the Upper Peninsula where he also had family he would visit as often as he could. He enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling in his younger days. In his older years he enjoyed playing Uno with friends and an occasional trip to the casino. He was known to entertain his family with the accordion and harmonica on occasion. What he enjoyed the most was spending time with his grandkids.
Doug had a love of classic cars – especially his 1947 Plymouth Deluxe Coupe that he fully restored which won him numerous car show awards and that his grandchildren affectionately called “Grandpa’s Bubble Car.”
Doug is survived by his wife of 64 years Edda, two sons: Wesley (Amy) Hankins of Westland, MI, Jeff Hankins (Peg Frimand) of Sterling; and one daughter: Lisa (Rob) Romo of Sterling.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Victoria Hankins, Bailey Romo, Blake Romo, Parker Romo, Carter Hankins and Rafaella Hankins. Surviving Doug also is his sister Karen (Marvin) Sexton, brother Dwight (Sharon) Hankins, sister-in-law Sandy Hankins and many nieces and nephews. Surviving him as well is his faithful TV-watching companion Lilli the dachshund who sat with him every day in their favorite chair.
Doug was preceded in death by a son Gary, father Taylor, mother Esther, brother Darrel, brother Ron and sister-in-law Jean.
Cremation has taken place. Services were held Monday April 10, visitation at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Sterling Wesleyan Church, 365 W. Jefferson Street, Sterling, MI.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Sterling Wesleyan Church, Standish American Legion Post 104 or VFW post 3724.
