Ralph Monroe Hankins III

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ralph M. Hankins III, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, who departed from this world on September 2, 2023. Ralph's journey, marked by unwavering love, kindness, and a passion for life, left a fixed impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ralph was born on January 31, 1951, in Kansas City, MO, to Ralph M. Hankins Jr. and Bettie Lou Hankins (Denny). Ralph’s baby sister Pamela Stevens (Hankins) shared a deep bond with him throughout their lives. From a young age, he exhibited a boundless curiosity and an insatiable thirst for knowledge mixed with a little bit of mischief.

Ralph graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1969 as a letterman football player. He then dedicated his life to a career as a Local #10 Iron Worker, where he worked alongside his father for many years. Ralph's colleagues would remember him as a skilled and dedicated tradesman, always willing to go the extra mile to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to hard work and the building of a better community until his retirement in 2000.

Outside of his professional life, Ralph was a devoted family man and a true dog lover. His canine companions brought immeasurable joy to his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Ralph's beloved bride, Robin A. Hankins (Linnell), with whom he shared a love story that inspired all who knew them. Together, they created a loving home and raised their children, Kimberly Hankins and Chris Hankins, instilling in them the values of compassion, integrity, and the importance of pursuing their dreams. Ralph was often found on weekends on a court or ballpark supporting his children in their athletic pursuits.

A man of many passions, Ralph loved tinkering on cars, war figurines, and anything that needed fixing. He often said he could “fix anything but a broken heart and the crack of dawn”. This handy and resourceful nature endeared him to family and friends who sought his assistance, knowing he would always find a solution.

Ralph was not only a fixer but also a helper. He could often be found lending a hand to a neighbor, mowing a lawn in his neighborhood, or offering his expertise at Robin and Ralph's beloved lake house, where he created countless cherished memories with loved ones.

To honor Ralph's memory, there will be a celebration of his life at Rudy's Mexican Restaurant in Lenexa, KS on Saturday, September 16th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Come as you are and stop in when you can. A taco bar, his favorite, will be served, and guests are invited to purchase their own beverages to toast a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Wayside Waifs, an organization close to Ralph's heart, dedicated to helping animals in need.

Ralph, you will be dearly missed, but your spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear. May you find eternal peace and tranquility in your next journey.