[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. ROBERT ERASTUS HANKS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2009

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and indeed the entire 
state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor 
him and pay tribute to his memory.
  Mr. Robert Hanks, known to his many friends as Coach Hanks or Colonel 
Hanks, was a Jones Mill native and became a lieutenant in the U.S. 
Navy. He was in command of the landing craft aboard the USS Adair and 
took part in the invasions Okinawa, Leyte and Luzon in the Philippines. 
He earned Bronze Stars for his service.
  Following the war, Mr. Hanks returned to Alabama and began a 32 year 
teaching, coaching, and administration career at Mobile's University 
Military School (UMS). He earned Master's Degrees in Physical Education 
and School Administration from the University of Alabama, and while at 
UMS, he served as a history teacher, football and basketball coach, 
assistant superintendent, and superintendent.
  As headmaster, Mr. Hanks supervised the transition from UMS to UMS 
Preparatory School. He was also a devoted member of Dauphin Way Baptist 
Church for 60 years where he served as Sunday School director and 
chairman of the deacons. His influence of integrity, honor, and self 
discipline shaped the lives of hundreds of individuals.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama. Mr. 
Robert Hanks will be deeply missed by his family--his wife of 66 years, 
Katherlin Hanks; his sister, Robbie McEachern; his daughter, Kathy 
Gault; his son, Dr. Robert Hanks; his grandchildren, Jennifer Dodge, 
Amy Coggin, Brian Hanks, and Dr. Meredith Gault; his great-
grandchildren, Logan, Kate and Abby Dodge, and John Mark, Audrey and 
Julianne Coggin--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

                          ____________________