A Hero’s welcome for MSgt Timothy Hankins on Friday

Published 4:35 pm Thursday, October 13, 2016

MSgt Timothy Hankins, 40 passed away October 8, 2016 while stationed at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL from causes unknown.  MSgt Hankins served in the US Army for 19 years and the Texas National Guard for 2 years.  MSgt Hankins, is a 1994 graduate of West Orange Stark High School.

MSgt Hankins tours of duty include Iraq, Afghanistan, Italy, England, Scotland, Haiti and others.  He served with the 82nd Airborne as a Jumpmaster and later became a member of the Green Beret as a Weapons Specialist.  During his service he was awarded the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, six Army Commendation Medals, eight Army Achievement Medals, four Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, three Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star and many other distinguished honors.  MSgt Hankins is survived by his parents, wife and two children.

MSgt Hankins will return home on Friday, October 14, 2016 to Bush Intercontinental Airport.  He will begin his journey home to Orange escorted by the his family, military, local law enforcement and the Patriot Guard Riders – Golden Triangle.  The route from Houston will be Highway 1960 to Highway 90 through Beaumont to Interstate 10.  The caravan will continue on Interstate 10 to Orange exiting at Highway 90/Strickland/MacArthur/Green Avenue to Claybar Funeral Home 504 N. 5th Street with an anticipated arrival between 8:30-9:00 pm.

Please encourage the community to line the route or meet at or near the funeral home to welcome this Hero home.

Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday, October 16th at 3:00 pm at the First Church of the Nazarene at 3810 MLK Parkway in Orange with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery on Highway 87 in Orange.