Charles Homer "Hank" Hankins

He was the oldest of five Jess, Jerry, Jane and Mary. He was known to most as Hank.

He joined the Marines and served in the Vietnam War. He met Joe Martinez, his soon to be brother-in-law and one of his best friends. When he met Mary Inez, he fell in love and they were married April 2, 1967. He was blessed with 6 children, Sandra, Robert, Dianna, Renee, Sharon, and Charles. He was a devoted father and husband. His family was everything. If one of the kids needed him, he was there no matter what. He spoiled the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and everyone else’s children.

For 28 years, Hank was a fire fighter and loved his work. Hank was pretty easy-going and the guys used to take Hank’s blood pressure (it was always low) just for fun to see if he was alive. It was a big joke at the firehouse because he was always calm, and never got too excited about issues.

He loved to tell stories about his fire fighter days. He knew every fire he ever went to, where it was, and what happened there. He knew every baby they delivered and remembered their names.

On Hank’s off time, he drove a truck with his son, Bob and helped get his youngest son, Charles, driving also.

I met Hank in 1994 when I came to town with a dump truck and knew nothing. I was given to Bob to be trained but soon was passed on to Hank, who became my instructor. Hank told me all I needed to know was how to eat Cheetos, drink coffee and talk hunting. I was forever getting lost and I would call Hank, and he always got me back on track.

When Hank retired from the fire department, he drove a truck, then he retired from driving and bought a fire truck with his brother-in-law, Joe, and the Marine Corps League. They took the fire truck to parades and collected toys for Toys for Tots all over southern Colorado. It was a real good time for Hank.

Hank loved to help people. He didn’t know how to say no to anyone. He was the first to volunteer and volunteer the whole family and his son’s trucking company.

He enjoyed helping the Marine Corps League do whatever their project was at the time. He would go to Cripple Creek, Antinito and hang out at the Marine Corps booth talking to people.

He was Santa every year and at every opportunity. He enlisted his kids – and friends – to attend the festivities with him. This year was no different except he wanted a new Santa hat. We found one online and he was the Cowboy Santa. He made so many people happy.

He will be missed by all.