William "Bill" Hanks Jr.

William “Bill” J. Hanks, Jr, 83, Callaway, passed peacefully at home on Friday, June 7, 2024.

He was born in White Earth, MN, on January 17, 1941, a son of the late William J. Hanks, Sr., and Mary Ellen Roy. Bill attended local schools, and entered the US Army on February 28, 1963.  Bill was stationed in California, Arizona, Korea and Georgia before being honorably discharged while he was stationed in Kansas. He received numerous decorations and medals, including Sharpshooter and Expert Rifleman. 

Following his discharge, Bill worked for the Tribe and later for Indian Health Service in Bemidji, Aberdeen and then back to Bemidji. Bill loved music, and was an avid musician. He played guitar, accordion and had played the organ for his church in earlier years. He led numerous bands over the years, including the Hanks Brothers Band. Bill also played the KDLM Rhythm Rangers with his brother and sister. He loved fishing, boating and “slotting” at the casino, his greatest love, however, was for his family. He will be sadly missed. 

Bill leaves so many friends and family to cherish his memory. He leaves his dear friend of over 50 years, Emma King; his children: Sharon Hanks, Dawn Hanks and William “Billy” King; his siblings: Judy Thomas, Betty Red Horse, Thomas Hanks and Sherald Hanks; he leaves his grandchildren, including Nick Baker, Tayah King and Mya Copiskey; many nieces and nephews, including his special niece and caretaker, Shirley McGregor and countless musician friends, made over a lifetime.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Francis Hanks and Wilma Bobbie McGregor and a daughter, Mary Jo Hanks.

The visitation for Bill will be held Monday, June 10, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM at David-Donehower Funeral Home, 609 US HWY 10 E., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.  A prayer service will he held at 6:30 PM.  The funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at St. Columba Episcopal Church, 26094 370th Street, White Earth, MN. Visitation will be an hour prior.   Interment with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery.  

David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family.  For more information, please visit DavidDonehower.com or call (218) 847-4147.