Gary Hanks

Gary Hanks

August 17, 1950 - January 05, 2023

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Obituary

Our beloved brother, Gary Hanks, passed away on January 5, 2023, due to complications from surgery. He was born on August 17, 1950, to Orville Hanks and Mary Janisch Hanks. He attended school in Miles City and Deer Lodge, then enlisted in the army in 1967. Gary served one tour in Vietnam and two tours in Germany, then was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Gary returned to Billings and started a long career in driving trucks. He was employed with Hustad Implement, Billings Ford Tractor, Empire Steel, Billings Equipment, and then completed his career with Motor Power Equipment. Gary had a wonderful work ethic and was proud of his military service and his long accident-free truck-driving career.


September of 2021, Gary went to a reunion of his unit (86th trans) from ‘68-‘69 Vietnam, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He met up with buddies from over 53 years ago. They had a great time reminiscing about NAM and their lives since.


Gary was preceded in death by his parents; baby brother, Ricki; and special Grandma Hattie Johnson. He is survived by his brother, Randy Hanks (Bobbi); sister, Nancy Ruby (Joe); nieces and nephews: Bridget and Levi Dodge (Natalya, Victor, Hallie), Ryan and Lindsey Hanks (Audrey, MyKenna, Peyton), Anya and Chad Freitag, Jill and Will Graber (Savannah, Wyatt), Breanne and Josh Overfelt, Joe and Libby Ruby, Jake and Paige Ruby (Ragnar); and numerous cousins.


Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Yellowstone National Cemetery, 55 Buffalo Trail Rd, Laurel, MT. A reception will follow at VFW Post 6774, 637 Anchor Street, Billings Heights.


Donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

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Gary
BB
Bob and Betty
Other •
In Loving Memory to the family. We love you!Bob and Betty
DW
Debbie Wood
Other •
So sorry to hear this! Gary was a great guy and a treasured employee for many years. He always had a smile on his face and a positive can-do attitude. Rest In Peace Gary. 🙏🏻 Greg and Debbie Wood
MA
Mike Archdale
Other •
So sorry to read of Gary’s passing. I attended Garfield School in Miles City, Montana with Gary his brother and cousins and lived by the slough. One of my favorite stories from Miles City when I was in my 20’s and Orville had 2 shoe shine stands. One was in the Range Rider’s Bar and owned by Earl Kelly. Orville opened a second shoe shine stand. Kelly gets upset with Orville about the 2nd stand. Orville’s answer to Kelly was if you can have 3 bars(Kelly’s Gaslight, Ranger Rider’s Bar and the third bar was upstairs in Range Rider’s Bar. It was a great conversation with Orville explaining his reasoning. Peace be with each everyone. Fond memories of Gary.
KM
Kevin Malley
Other •
Sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We were buddies together growing up on the North side in Miles City and going to Sacred Heart. We got into trouble now and then but ended up in pretty good shape. Fellow Vietnam Vet. He was a driver but I was always lazier than him so I flew on Helicopters. I will miss you man you were a great guy. Kevin Malley.
BG
Brenda Graham
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Gary was a character. I had the privilege of serving him almost daily at the Emporium. We always had good laughs and teasing! He was a good friend.
RK
Ron Knuth
Other •
Sad to learn of Gary’s passing. I always looked forward to delivering trucks with him when we both worked at Motor Power. Every trip was an adventure, a lot of good stories, learned a lot too! Rest in peace my friend.

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