Harold Wilson Hancock

March 27, 1917 - August 27, 2008

Harold Wilson Hancock, 91, passed away at the Pioneer Health Care Center in Rocky Ford after a lengthy illness. Born, March 27, 1917 to Elmer and Ethel (Sullins) Hancock, he had four brothers; Elmer Jr., Lee, Douglas and Robert. Mr. Hancock ws a 1937 graduate of Rocky Ford High School. After high school he worked for Stauffer Food Company. Later, during WWII, he served as a B-26 pilot, leading fifty three allied bombing missions over Europe asa pathfinder or lead pilot utilizing what was at that time experimental radar navigation. It was while stationed in Northern Ireland that he met his wife to be, Maureen McCann. They were married on July 31, 1944. Following the war, the Hancock's purchased a farm southwest of Rocky Ford which they farmed and raised livestock on for forty five years. It was there that they raised their son's Brian and Terry. Harold also continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Besides farming, in the late 1940's, Harold joined his brothers in opening an Army-Navy surplus store on Main Street, which later evolved into a men's clothing store. One last career change occured in 1960 when Harold joined Belle Daring, Senator George Swink's daughter, in her real estate office and later Mr. and Mrs. Hancock purchased a real estate and insurance agency of their own from Al Goeringer. That real estate and insurance business has now served the Arkansas Valley for forty-eight years and is now co-owned by son Brian and nephew, Sean McCann. A strong community supporter, Harold was active in his church and many civic organizations; one example was when he took three months off to work on raising funds for the rebuilding of the fair grounds grandstand after the old one was destroyed by fire. He served as a deacon for the Presbyterian Church, served on the Chamber of Commerce and received their citizen of the year award. In addition, he was appointed to the board of directors for the Farm Credit Banks in this four State region and was appointed to the Colorado State Real Estate Commission. A lifetime Democrat, he served several terms as the chairman of the Otero County Democratic Party. He also enjoyed being a Shriner. Mr. Hancock is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers Douglas and Elmer Jr. Survivors include his son, Brian Hancock and wife Sylvia, son Terry Hancock; grandson, Aaron Hancock and wife Rachel; brother's Robert Hancock and wife Ruth and Lee Hancock and his wife Eleanor. Memorial services will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM. There will be no visitation as cremation has been effected. Inurnment will be private at a later time in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorial funds have been established with the Community Presbyterian Church or the Arkansas Valley Hospice and can be sent in c/o the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com