Ralph Eugene "Gene" Hanks, 73, of Hill City, KS, formerly of Steelville, MO passed away Sunday, August 9, 2009 at Promise Hospital in Hutchinson, KS. He was born November 16, 1935 in Steelville, MO to Earl and Frances Ann (Hopkins) Hanks. He was united in marriage to Leatrice Randall and to this union five children were born. He later married Anita Karnes who preceded him in death in May of 1994. Gene was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Nicodemus, Kansas, a member of the Masons and the Shriners. He was a Baptist minister for part of his life. He had been a heavy equipment operator and later a truck driver, owner and operator for many years. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and taking care of his little dog, Lulu. He will be sadly missed by his children, Shellie Phipps and husband Grady of Phoenix, AZ, Denny Hanks of Cimarron, KS, Leanne Lacy of Cozad, NE, Sheila Bogart and husband Roger of Kirwin, KS and Deanne Weber and husband Mike of Akron, CO; four brothers, Jerry Hanks and wife Jettie of St. James, MO, Delmar Hanks and wife Kay of Sikeston, MO, Gary Hanks and wife Sherri of Lohman, MO and Mike Hanks and significant other, Chrissy of Camdenton, MO; three sisters, Sharon Thomas and husband Larry of Rich Fountain, MO, Pat Hanks and Debbie Lorraine of Steelville, MO; two sisters-in-law, Violet and Joyce Hanks of Steelville, MO; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Anita; three brothers, James, Joe and Earl Hanks; one grandchild; one great-grandchild and one sister-in-law, Alma Hanks. Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. Masonic services were conducted by the Lebanon Lodge #77 of Steelville at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2009. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Rev. Don Wissmann officiating. Special music of "Amazing Grace" was sang by daughter, Shellie Phipps and accompanied on piano by Sharon England. "The Old Rugged Cross" was also played. An eulogy written by daughters, Shellie Phipps and Leanne Lacy was read. Casket bearers were Shad Lacy, Josh Lacy, Josiah Lacy, Cody Bogart, Brenton Bogart and Denny Hanks. Honorary casket bearers were Jerry Hanks, Delmar Hanks, Gary Hanks, Michael Hanks and Andrew Weber. During the graveside service, the 23rd Psalms was read by Sharon Hanks and closing prayer and scripture were by Rev. Don Wissmann. Interment was in the Callaway Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2009 in Fulton, MO. Memorials may be given to the Kansas Dialysis Association. The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.