John Hanks

John Hanks, 87, died peacefully on Dec. 18, 2014 at the Legacy House in Logan, Utah, with his wife Doris, at his side. Ronald John Hanks was born August 4, 1927 in Salem, Utah. His parents were Roscoe Curtis Hanks and Minnie Estelle (Edman) Hanks.
He had a happy childhood in Salem with his 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He learned to work hard from his parents. He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1945, then was drafted into the Army just after World War II ended, where he served in France. After John was discharged from the Army, he came home and began schooling at BYU. There he was reintroduced to Doris Francis from Lake Shore. They were married on October 6th, 1948. They had a very happy, loving marriage and were blessed with 6 children.
John graduated with a PhD in Soil Physics. He worked for the USDA in Manhattan, Kansas then was transferred to Ft. Collins, Colorado, where they made many life-long friends. In 1968 John took a job with Utah State University in the Plant, Soil and Biometeorology Department in Logan, Utah. He worked there for 24 years, retiring in 1992. John and Doris loved to travel, but their favorite place to go was Israel, where John was doing research for USU.
John was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He didn't preach much, but showed his family and others his love of the gospel by the way that he lived. John and Doris served 2 missions - the first was a Family History Mission in Salt Lake City, and the second was for the church’s Farm Management Department to help with a church farm near Griffith, Australia.
John's greatest love was for his wife, Doris, and their family. His favorite time was every Sunday night, when all of his family would come to their home for a delicious meal and lots of lively conversation. They also loved to take their family on vacations, especially to Bear Lake.
John is survived by his wife, Doris and 5 children: Jerri (Lorin) Zollinger, John (Sue) Hanks, Chris (Steve) Dewey, Curt (Nancy) Hanks, and KayLyn (Grant) Cardon, and foster-daughter Elaine DeVore. He had 30 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn (Ed) Johnson, a sister-in-laws Dora Hanks, Karma (Ray) Huff, and Marlene (Joe) Bowcutt.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jean, brothers Fred, Duane and Bob, his infant son, Joseph and a granddaughter, Stacia Cardon.
There will be a viewing on Friday, Dec. 26th at Allen Mortuary at 420 E 1800 N in North Logan from 6-8 pm. An additional viewing will be Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 before the funeral at 11:00 at the 2nd Ward church on 1105 E 2100 N in North Logan. The funeral is under the direction of Allen Mortuary and Bishop Clay Carter of the 2nd Ward.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Legacy House, IHC Hospice, and Dr. Mark Huffman for their service to John. We also thank the members of the North Logan 2nd Ward for their love, and service at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations to the Perpetual Education Fund of the LDS church. Condolences may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.net .