FORT WAYNE, INDIANA – Wilbur “Will” Lee Hanks, age 81, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Will was born on November 28, 1944, in Lewisport, Kentucky, to the late Raymond and Anna (Roberts) Hanks. Will attended various schools in the Lewisport, Kentucky area and later received his certificate of welding. At the age of seventeen, he married Wilma Jordan. While living in Kentucky, he enjoyed working in the farming industry. After a few years, the couple moved to Fort Wayne and began raising a family together. With Mobile Ariel Towers, Techo and Lift-All companies, Will worked as a Mobile Field Service Technician and traveled extensively doing trouble shooting for bucket trucks manufactured in Fort Wayne. He was a gifted mechanic and maintained his own mechanic shop. He became well-known in the community for his excellence in building and refurbishing engines for street rod and racing cars. Among a collection of classic cars, Will owned a race car, named the “Alley Rat,” winning trophies in drag racing with his son, Jeremy Hanks.

While in Fort Wayne, he and his wife, Wilma, became founding members of Waynedale Baptist Church. His friends and family will remember him most for his generous spirit and his ability to engage with others through wit and humor. He had a deep faith in Jesus Christ, committed to His Lord in every aspect of life, love, family and relationships. Others remember how he would speak often of the goodness of God with gratitude and purpose.
Will is survived by his former spouse, Wilma Gevers; children, Jeffrey (Liz) Hanks and Jeremy Hanks; his grandchildren, Amy, Lyndsey, Jansen, Weston; great grandchildren, Chloe, Cora, Claire, Aria, and Kohen.

Will is also survived by his current wife, Donna Hanks; her children, Tonya (George) Sullivan and Jonathan (Robin) Miller, and her grandchildren, Grace, Ethan, Nataliya, and Cosette. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by eleven siblings, and one grandchild, Brandon Hanks.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 16, 2026, from 6-8 PM at Waynedale Baptist Church, 633 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana. A funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11 AM, at the church, with one hour visitation from 10 – 11 AM. Pastor Kyle Byrd will officiate. Burial will be private. Rather than sending flowers, the family kindly asks you to consider making a memorial donation to Waynedale Baptist Church. Donation envelopes will be available at the church. If it is your preference, flowers of remembrance should be sent directly to the church on Monday between 9 AM - 4 PM. For additional information and to view Will’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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