Chester “Chet” L. Hanks

Chester Lee Hanks, Sr. (Chet) was born on Sept. 11, 1937, and decided to run the “Streets of gold” Jan 1, 2025. His parents were Lawrence Lavern Hanks and Johanna E. Backer Hanks. He was born, raised, and lived in Carthage, IL, Hancock County his entire life. He attended Mt. Zion Elementary school, Carthage High School (graduated 1955) and Greenville College (graduated 1959). His college sweetheart was Ruth Mooney whom he married July 29, 1960, in Vincennes, IN.

He is preceded in death by his Father (1989), Mother (2000) and Brother, Robert Hanks (2010).

His is survived by his wife, Ruth Hanks, and their two children: Chester (Chip) Lee Hanks, Jr (Married Dorsey Colby) and Nancy Kea Hanks (Married Brian Phillips, 8/85). Chip had one son, Ricky Lee Hanks. Ricky gave Chet 5 great grandkids. Trenton, Cora, Johnnie Jo, Kyndle, and Greydon. Nancy has three children, William Roy Phillips (Ally) who has Lydia & Evelyn, Andrea Kea Phillips-White (Kolton) who has Skye, and Brian Keith Phillips, II (Tara). He was also survived by his brother, Herman Hanks (Barbara) and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hanks was in the Nauvoo School district 1959-1961 as principal and Carthage High School 1961-1998 as teacher and coach. He had a distinguished career teaching Drivers Education and Business. He was also the assistant football coach for 25 years, taking his Defensive Team to State, baseball for 20 years with one student going on to the minor leagues, basketball for 3 years winning the County Tournament and Regional Tournament, wrestling for 5 years, taking his son to state three years, and golf for 6 years, taking two golfers to the state competition. He was Student Council Sponsor for 10 years, Class Sponsor for 10 years and Education Association President. In 1996, he was Carthage Teacher of the Year and State of Illinois Honorary Teacher of the Year. In 1998, he was the Homecoming Parade’s Grand Marshall and the keynote Commencement speaker. He also taught classes for the State of Illinois-Bus Drivers Laws and Regulations. He spent many hours of pride mowing school lawns and caring for the ball fields during summer employment. After retirement, he also taught Drivers Ed at Warsaw and Dallas City. Mr. Hanks enjoyed serving his profession of Education for over 38 years. Chet has also enjoyed serving in his church. He was a member of the Dallas City Free Methodist Church until 1998. He served as Treasurer for many years, helped at VBS, served as Children’s Superintendent and with the youth group. In 1990, he joined the First Christian Church, DOC in Carthage, IL where he served as Diaconate and as an Elder until his death. He helped take care of dear friends at the Hancock County Nursing Home for several years and served evening meals. Chet enjoyed his golf, golf buddies, and golf trips. His joys in life were also driving and riding around in his 1982 Riviera and visiting with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. He and Ruth traveled frequently to see kids and grandkids but also really enjoyed seeing all different parts of America.

A Memorial service will be held at 10:45am on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Carthage IL with Rev. Jerome Lee moderating. Visitation will be at the church starting at 9:00 am until the time of service. Memorials may be made out to the First Christian Church or the Carthage Golf Club. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is handling arrangements.