Eugene Clinton Hanks

Eugene C. “Gene” Hanks, 79, a resident of Vero Beach, FL, for over 25 years and former longtime resident of East Longmeadow, died on Monday, May 28, 2018 at the Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian, Florida. He was born in Ludlow, a son of the late Erwin P. and Ruth M. (Dorsett) Hanks. Gene was employed for over 35 years at the former Package Machinery Company located in East Longmeadow until his retirement in the early 1990’s. He was a former longtime active member for over 50 years at First Baptist Church of East Longmeadow where he served as a Trustee and numerous other positions. Some of Gene’s favorite pastimes included welding, fishing, NASCAR racing, listening to Gospel music, and following all of the New England sports teams. He especially enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox. Gene also cherished the weekly meetings, outings, lunches and times spent with his friends in his blind support group. He was the beloved husband of the late Yvonne B. (Zeiler) Hanks who died in May of 2002 and leaves two loving children, Norma J. Hamilton and her husband Mark of Framingham, and Glenn S. Hanks and his wife Susette of Stafford, CT; a brother, Earl Hanks and his wife Lynn of Wilbraham; three grandchildren, Melissa, Benjamin, and Morgan; three great-grandchildren, Blake, Kailynn and Cade; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Gene also leaves behind his best friends, Jim and Debbie Wright, Dave Jones, and Larry and Dolores Driver all of Vero Beach. His funeral will be held on Saturday, June 9th at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church, 50 Parker Street, in East Longmeadow, with burial to follow across the street at Baptist Village Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Friday evening, June 8th from 4-7 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield. In lieu of flowers the family ask that you direct contributions in Gene’s name to the First Baptist Church, 50 Parker St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. For more information, please visit us at www.byronkeenan.com