Karl Hankins Obituary

Karl W. Hankins

Karl transferred to the Church Triumphant early Monday, April 13, 2026, surrounded by his family, who sang his favorite hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul."

Karl Wayne Hankins was born April 30, 1933, to Cecil Clark and Viola Beth (Maffit) Hankins in Xenia. He and his brother, Jerry, grew up as preacher kids and enjoyed the benefits of their father directing various Youth Camps and as Director of USO in Hobbs, New Mexico.

He graduated from Groveport High School, where he enjoyed various athletic experiences. At age 16, he secured a summer job digging ditches and making the ground surface smooth at what is now Rickenbacker Airport near Columbus. He enlisted in the Army and served in the Fifth Battalion, receiving an honorable discharge January 15, 1955.

He attended The Ohio State University and University of Minnesota-Duluth before answering the call of his life as a materials analyst for 50 years. Karl worked for the same company those 50 years, though he saw it change names three times; he retired from Vesuvius in 2014.

He met the love of his life, Kay Johnson, in Duluth, Minnesota, and they married June 25, 1960. Together, they raised three wonderful children, Vicky (Bern) Kefer, Shelly (Greg) Glover, and Mike Hankins, all of whom survive. Karl has been richly blessed by his family, seven grandchildren, Zack (Chloe) Ferris, Matt Kefer, Chris (Lauren) Kefer, Meredith (Nik) Mateer, Claire (Chris) Glover, Beth (Austin) Frengel, and Abby Glover; and nine great-grandchildren, Hatti, Gretta, Fynlee and Theo Ferris, Myles, Florence and Freya Mateer, and Grace and Eliana Kefer, who brought him great joy.

Karl was preceded in death by his loving wife Kay; his beloved brother, Jerry; and grandson, Josh.

Karl's faith in God was expressed by his lifelong commitment to serving God through his local church and Scout Leadership. His involvement in local churches found him teaching Sunday School, singing in the choirs, actively leading men's groups, going on work mission trips, providing refreshments for Sunday School Children and adults, and volunteering in many other ways.

It was his involvement in the church that enabled him to meet Donna Van Trees in 2007. They began as friends, enjoying nature and kayaking, and married in 2009. Retirement found them enjoying their home on Cinnamon Lake.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Faith United Methodist Church, 75 N. Sandusky Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883, with Pastor Charlene Thomas and the Rev. Dr. Diane Bell co-officiating.

Friends may visit with family from 10 a.m. until time of Celebration of Life.

A private burial was at Greenlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Karl's spiritual awakening at a Christian Camp on Leesville Lake in Carrollton, Ohio. The family requests donations to camperships at Aldersgate Camp, located on Leesville Lake, 3276 Dyewood Rd. Carrollton, OH 44615 or online at campaldersgate.org/give.

Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

Condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.