Walter James Hankins

Walter James Hankins of Poulsbo, WA, passed away February 15, 2015 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. Walter was born September 8, 1927 in Latrobe, PA, one of eight children of William and Minnie (Herd) Hankins. While still a teenager, Walter enlisted in the Army, serving as MP in Japan. He began his career at Kennametal where he met Ann (Sofranko). Ann and Walt married in 1955 in Latrobe. His career in management at Kennametal took him to California where they raised their two daughters. Later, he was a manager at Snowden Electric in California.

His retirement years were full as he enjoyed carpentry, masonry, reading, gardening, and time spent with family and friends.

Walter was preceded in death by Ann, his wife of 55 years.

He is survived by daughters Susan (Charles) Tjalsma of Indianola, WA; Sharon (Jeffrey) Crosswhite of Julian, CA, grandchildren Adam (Angelica) and Amanda Crosswhite of California; brother George (Donna) of Stone Mountain GA, and sister Sally Erny of CA.

The family would like to thank his many friends and staff at Martha and Mary for their excellent care and dedication.