Verle Dean Hankins

Verle Dean Hankins, 90, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Manchester Methodist Church, located at 413 East Butler Street in Manchester, where the family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the service time. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery, in Manchester. Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Manchester is assisting the family.

Verle was born on August 19, 1935, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Leonard William and Leola Beatrice (Sutton) Hankins. He was a graduate of Delhi High School in Delhi, Iowa. On December 24, 1953, Verle was united in marriage to Donna Marie Downs at the Methodist Church in Delhi. Verle’s life was marked by his dedication to agribusiness and his entrepreneurial spirit. Early in his career, he began by hauling milk, shelling corn, and farming which ignited a lifelong passion for the agricultural sector. This pursuit ultimately led him to own and operate, together with his wife, three successful companies: Hankins Agri Equipment, Triple H Trailers, and Verle's Hunting & Fishing.

Verle was not only a businessman, but also a devoted husband, sharing many memorable moments with his beloved wife as they became snowbirds, spending valuable time in Texas. Their lives were enriched by their involvement in their faith, as members of the Manchester Methodist Church and former members of Delhi Methodist Church. An avid sports fan, Verle was particularly known for his passion for baseball. He also enjoyed watching stock car racing and going coon hunting, indulging in these pastimes with great enthusiasm and joy. Verle leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and community involvement that will be long remembered by all who knew him.

Verle is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Sherry (Dennis) Cooper of Hamilton, Virginia, Robert Hankins of Delhi, and Dean Hankins of Coggon, Iowa; six grandchildren, Angela (Ben) Whittemore, Thaddeus (Samantha) Cooper, Dustin Hankins, Cody Hankins, Christina Miller, and Austin Evans; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of nearly 72 years, Donna Hankins on November 28, 2025; and daughter-in-law, Danette Hankins.