Service livestream link:  Celebration of Life: Richard Hankins           

Richard D. Hankins, age 95, passed away on April 14, 2026. Services will on Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 A.M. at Country Club Methodist Church, 400 W. 57th St., KCMO followed by interment at the Aubry Cemetery, 191st and Metcalf, Stilwell, KS.

Richard was born June 4,1930 in Belton, Missouri to Grace Fordyce Hankins and Eric Hankins. He was preceded in death by his parents Grace and Eric, his siblings, Marjorie, Carol, Oran, Eric Eugene, Gerald, and Phyllis. Richard is survived by his siblings Larry (Charlotte Joan) Hankins, Daniel Hankins, and Carolyn Stagner, his daughters, Pamela (Dan) Williams, Dawn (Tim) Vandehey and his son, Brent (Emily) Hankins. He was devoted grandfather to Noah, Meaghan, Sophie and Grace, and was loved dearly by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and neighbors.

Richard grew up in the Great Depression, and that experience taught Richard to be grateful, resourceful, and aware of the well-being of others. He shared of his time, resources, and mechanical knowledge with anyone who asked him to help with a house project or fix a car. He was always looking for a way to serve in his community or abroad, including a Habitat for Humanity trip to Haiti in his late 70's.

Richard had a lifelong love affair with aviation. When he was a boy, he learned about airplanes and was fascinated with how they worked and the adventures they offered. In 1951, he was hired by Trans World Airlines as a mechanic and eventually rose to become an inspector as the aviation industry entered the jet age. Even though planes became faster and more luxurious, his favorite airplane remained the Lockheed Constellation Super G, affectionately known as the Connie, and he celebrated his 80th birthday with a restored TWA Constellation Super G as the backdrop and guest of honor. In 1973, he took his children on their first around-the-world trip on Trans World Airlines, the iconic white and red airline that called Kansas City home. Richard retired after 59.5 years with the airlines, but not before being recognized with a Charles Taylor Award for 50 years of excellence in the aviation industry. Even after retiring, his love of travel continued, taking him to Italy and South Africa among other places. Richard also worked on the the Wright Brothers’ plane that is now parked in the Smithsonian.

At age 73, Richard began what he called his “greatest adventure” when he first became a grandfather. He loved chasing his grandchildren around when they were small, delighting them with gifts, and watching them shine in games and performances. He was a pushover for ice cream runs and had an endless hunger for their latest antics.

He will be dearly missed!

Consistent with Richard's commitment to the teachings of Matthew 25:40, memorial donations may be made to Harvesters in lieu of flowers.