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Roy William Hankle, age 95, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020. He was born in Globeville, Colorado (just outside of Denver) to William and Elizabeth (Wagner) Hankle. He was the oldest of three children. Roy graduated from North High School in 1943, where he was a State Champion in wrestling. He immediately enlisted in the Navy so he could serve his country during World War II. When he came home from the war, he met the love of his life, Geraldine McGann. They met at a local Denver hangout for the young folks, which was an ice cream shop, called Evalona Dairy. They became inseparable and were married in 1947. Roy enrolled in college at Colorado A&M, (now known as Colorado State University) and enlisted in the Naval Reserve to help pay for college. Soon after, the Korean War broke out, and since he was in the reserves, he was called to serve his country again. After he had completed his second tour of duty, Roy returned and finished up his studies at Denver University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and teaching certificate. He became a teacher in the Englewood school district, first teaching and coaching at Maddox Elementary and then at Sinclair Junior High. He taught Social Studies and Leadership through Student Council for over 38 years. Toward the end of his career, he also served as Dean of Students-Discipline for two years at Sinclair Middle School. During this same time, he was also the head of the City of Englewood’s Parks and Recreation’s Summer Playgrounds and Junior American Sports Programs. Everyone in Englewood knew Roy. He touched so many people through his teaching in Englewood schools or through his work at Englewood Parks and Rec. Many of his students were also his employees at the City of Englewood. He was known as a “tough” but “fair” person. He truly cared for his students. He and his wife were season ticket holders to the Denver Broncos, and enjoyed many years of cheering on John Elway and the rest of the team. Roy and Geraldine took several vacations, mostly to visit family around the U.S., and in 2001 they took a dream cruise to the Hawaiian Islands with their daughter Diane and her husband Ed. Roy retired in 1991 but kept busy collecting baseball cards and memorabilia for many years. He and Geraldine spent time with friends during their later years and going to Silver Sneakers to keep active, as best they could. Roy lived a life of relaxation at his home in Englewood until his death.
Roy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He was always a fixture at his children’s and grandchildren’s school programs and sporting events. You could always count on him to be there for you. He enjoyed many family gatherings during the holidays and every year on his birthday the whole family would get together to enjoy some of Geraldine’s tasty spaghetti.
He is survived by his wife Geraldine, daughters Sherl and Debra (John), and son Michael (Beth); grandchildren Scott (Allyson), Trisia, Jennie (Troy), Rachel (Mario), Ryan (Jamie), Madeline, and Jacqueline; great-grandchildren Aaron, Cynthia, Tyler (Casey), Keelan, Alyssa, Sophie, Kaie, Evan, Rylie, Eleanor, Maxson, and Eve; and great-great-grandchildren Axel and Hendrik; sister Betty and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, and daughter Diane.
Viewing & Visitation will be from 5-8PM on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Drinkwine Family Chapel. Please follow the COVID guidelines: face masks and social distancing is required at this time.
Due to the pandemic, funeral services and committal at Ft. Logan National Cemetery will be private.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roy William Hankle, please visit our floral store.