Arlene Richard Hanks

Arlene Hanks of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, the 11th of December 2022, at the age of 96. She was born on June 13th, 1926, in Houston, Texas, to Felix and Lydia Richard. From the moment she was born, she had a genuine love and compassion for others that carried on through her entire life. A loving wife and mother, she devoted herself to her family and made every day special. She worked for the Houston Fire Department and the Training Academy and brought her love for others to her job every day. She loved her job supporting the training of young firefighters, as she was married to one herself, and found a great purpose in her work. Her favorite passion was baking and she made beautiful and elaborate cakes for her friends and families to celebrate all of life’s events from birthdays to weddings to anniversaries. An accomplished quiltmaker, her talent lives on in the beautiful quilts she made adoring homes across Texas. A devout Christian, her faith in Christ was unshakeable and she took joy in knowing she would see her Lord and Savior when her time here on earth came to an end.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, Senior Captain Donald Hanks Sr., Houston Fire Department. The love they shared continues to be an inspiration for their family and all who knew them. Arlene is survived by her daughter Darlene Villarreal and her husband Jim, her son Donald Hanks Jr., and his wife Gina and her grandchildren Bradley Hanks, Lauren Vogler, Dakota Villarreal, and William Braddy.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of her life at the main chapel of the Forest Park Cemetery at 6900 Lawndale St, Houston, Texas, on Monday, December 19th at 2:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM. Interment to follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Hanks family.