Russel Eugene Hankins

Russel Eugene Hankins, born on January 25, 1927 passed away on January 30, 2019. Russ grew up an only child in Tomball, Texas where he was raised by his mother Hannah Hayes Hankins as his father passed away shortly before he was born. After graduating early from Tomball High School, Russ enlisted in the Navy and was selected for special assignment at Stanford University. He then completed his undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University and his MBA from University of Houston. His career included executive leadership of Human Resources at Tenneco Oil Co., Allied Corporation and Camco International. He also served as President of Houston Personnel Association for many years.

Russ has been an active member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church since 1956 when Chapelwood met at Memorial Drive Elementary School. He also served on the Hedwig Village City Council where he was known to stir up trouble in order to improve the lives and safety of residents across the villages.

During his 58 years of marriage to Reva Leath Hankins, Russ was devoted to his family, including a special bond with each of his three grandsons. Russ and Reva traveled the globe and enjoyed exploring the world abroad. After Reva’s passing, Russ was blessed with another special relationship with Julia Poston Edwards and they continued to travel the world together and share their love of Chapelwood.

Russ is survived by his family – his three children Lynda Hankins, Laura Sue Johnson and her husband Howard, his son Russel H. Hankins and his wife Margaret and his three grandsons, Ian Johnson, Steven Hankins and his wife Rachael and Scott Hankins.

Family and friends gathered and shared memories during a visitation from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6 at Waltrip Funeral Directors in Houston, Texas.

Russ was laid to rest alongside his beloved wife following a graveside service at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 7, at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. A memorial service followed at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, also in Houston.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Russ, to the Chapelwood Foundation, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, Texas 77024, (713) 465-3467.