Donald Hancock

Donald Brue Hancock Sr. passed from this life on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the age of 81.  A memorial service will be held Monday, November 25 at 10:00 am at Christian Center Church, 4024 W. College Lane, in Hobbs, NM with Pastors Jotty Kinney and Ty Bean officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel of Hope Funeral Home.

Don was born July 23, 1938 in Brownfield, TX to George Bruce Hancock and Sammy Geraldine (McCurdy) Hancock.  He attended school in Brownfield and Denver City TX and finished his GED when he joined the Navy. He served in the Navy from 1955 to 1959.

Don was a man of diverse talent and skill as shown in the work he pursued throughout his life.  He worked as a driller in the oil fields of the Texas/New Mexico Permian Basin in the 1960s.  His spirit of adventure was evident as he eventually became an entrepreneur in a few varied occupations.  He owned and operated gas service stations, cross-country trucking ventures, and restaurants.  Don owned two restaurants in Denver City, the Hi Neighbor and Mr. Don’s.  His signature, “Mr. Don’s”, later became a barbeque trailer in Hobbs.  Locals in both Denver City and Hobbs enjoyed many years of delicious food and fun interactions with him, and affectionately referred to him as “Mr. Don” for the remaining years of his life.

After defeating throat cancer in 2001, Don courageously took on another, somewhat unlikely, career as a college instructor.  In 2002 at the age of 64, Don turned to his knowledge and skill as a truck driver, and became a CDL instructor and NM State CDL examiner for New Mexico Jr College.  His passion for his students and the integrity of the courses he taught was respected by his peers and appreciated by countless students. He retired from NMJC in 2017 after 15 years.

Don loved Jesus and was quick to share his faith.  He is remembered and loved for his colorful personality, wit, humor, positive attitude, thoughtfulness, and certainly his incredible will to work and serve those he loved and knew.

Don is survived by his wife, Beth, of Hobbs, NM; three sons – Vincent Ray Hancock and wife, Judy of Midland, TX; Vernon Roy Hancock and wife Kim, of San Angelo, TX; Donald Brue Hancock, Jr. and wife, Carol Lynn of Ft. Worth, TX; three daughters – Dion Brooke (Hancock) Rebstock and husband Michael of Canyon, TX; Julie Erin (Hancock) Barnett and husband Kyle, of Canadian, TX; and Jinger Elaine (Hancock) Robinson and husband, Toby of Magnolia, TX; one brother, George Bruce Hancock, Jr. and wife, Patti of Midland, TX; one sister, Clara Ellen (Hancock) Williams; and 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one grand-daughter.

Don loved and enjoyed his family pets and, in lieu of flowers, requested donations to the Lea County Humane Society.