Services for Donald Hogan Hanks II, 67, of Livingston, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 14, 2023 at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston and will be officiated by Dr. Preston L. Nix. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Livingston. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 13th at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel.

Donald was born November 17, 1955 in Palestine, Texas to parents, Donald Hogan Hanks, and Clara Ruth (Lowe) and passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his wife and four children, on Easter Sunday morning, April 9, 2023. He is preceded by his mother.

He spent his formative years in Lacy Lakeview, Texas, where he was a graduate of Connally High School, Class of 1974.  He made many lifelong friends, some since childhood, whom he has cherished and loved dearly. After graduating from high school, Don attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he graduated with a double major in Music and Kinesiology, minoring in History. While attending SFA, he met the love of his life, Sheryl Butler.

Don and Sheryl married in 1979. Most precious to him is his growing family extending from Jennifer, born in 1981; JoAnna, born in 1986; Tyler, born in 1988, and Stephen, born in 1992.

After college, Don followed in his father's footsteps as coach and teacher. He taught History and coached at Crockett High School and Livingston High School until 1986.  Don coached football, basketball, baseball, and track. Choosing to make Livingston their permanent home, Don began working at Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, where he served until his retirement in January 2020. Through his employment with Sam Houston Electric, Don knew every single backroad of East Texas and, as an avid reader, the history that accompanied it.  He counted many of his coworkers as dear friends.

Don's best friend, Jerry Chrisman, led him to understand the need to turn a simple belief in God into a living, active, personal relationship with Him. He yielded his life and will to God, trusting in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Don's faith in Christ motivated and strengthened him throughout his entire life. A gifted musician with a heart for student ministry, Don served as layman and on staff at three area churches as need in those churches arose. He taught Sunday School, led in worship, and directed youth ministry. Don contributed as a valued staff and lay member of First Baptist Church for many years.  In his spare time, he enjoyed teaching aspiring young musicians how to play guitar.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Sheryl Hanks; children and spouses, Jennifer Hanks Perot and Joey, JoAnna Johnson-Hanks and Nondi, Tyler Hanks and Bethany, and Stephen Hanks and Kayla; granddaughter, Claire Ruth Perot; grandson, Keaton Joseph Perot; dad, Donald Hogan Hanks; and brothers, Jeff Hanks and wife Maxine, and Steve Hanks and wife Sandie; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A kind, humble, generous person, devoted husband and father, Don will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, Don and his family suggest a donation to a nonprofit or charity of your choice. Here are Don's favorite:

FBC Student Ministry or Worship & Music Ministry

Justin's Kindness Project

Justinskindnessproject.com

Compassion International

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Pallbearers: Tyler Hanks, Stephen Hanks, Bryan Butler, Derek Rejcek, Brett Rejcek, Taylor Hanks, Joey Perot and Forest Clamon.

Honorary Pallbearers: Sam Houston Electric Cooperative Employees, Jerry Chrisman, Peter Tadin, Leslie Davis and George Avery.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com .