Robert Hancock

June 19, 1928 - July 12, 2015

Robert Gailon Hancock, 87, passed away July 12, 2015 following his courageous battle with cancer while in the company of his daughters, at Grace Pointe in Greeley. Robert (Bob) was born on June 19, 1928 in Rocky Ford, Colorado to Elmer Christopher and Ethel Belle (Sullins) Hancock. Bob was a 1946 graduate of Rocky Ford High School. Following graduation from high school, Bob entered the army. He served with the 82nd airborne division including one year in Italy on a special military police assignment. After his honorable discharge, he attended Otero Junior College. While attending college, a pretty brunette by the name of Elizabeth Ruth Godfrey, caught his eye at the Holbrook Lake Pavilion. They, eventually, married on August 21, 1949 and shared 61 years of marriage. Bob served in the National Guard and civilian service for 38 years. He was commissioned thru a direct appointment on June 9, 1956 into the National Guard. In 1979 he was promoted to Col, culminating his career as the Brigade Commander of the 169th Field Artillery Brigade. On his retirement in 1984, Col Hancock received the Meritorious Service Medal, Order of St. Barbara Award, Parachutists Badge, Colorado Long Service Medal and the prestigious Legion of Merit Award. Bob's civilian service was with the Pueblo Army Depot. This included ammunition inspector, production manager of special weapons, guided missiles, ammunition, combat vehicles, tactical vehicles and artillery. He retired as Program Manager August 1, 1983. Bob was also actively engaged in his community having served as the Arkansas Valley Fair chairman. He was involved with the Chamber of Commerce and Library Board; he was a member of Lions Club, Elks Club and the Community Presbyterian Church. Bob was a Mason; a member of the Arkansas Valley Shrine Club and the Al Kaly Temple Oriental Band. Bob had many passions! Bob and Ruth loved traveling; they relished vacations with his brothers and their wives. Bob was an avid reader; he would spend hours reading and listening to music, always well versed in current affairs. Bob had a strong belief in the value of education and was continually looking for ways to extend a hand to those pursuing a college degree. Bob was a Colorado sports fan, always looking forward to watching the Broncos and Rockies in action. He thoroughly enjoyed his Rocky Ford coffee group and his friends at Fox Run Retirement Community. Bob is survived by his three daughters: Linda (Gary) Klipp of Greeley, Denise (Chris) Roybal of Long Beach, CA, and Gail (Gary) Davies of Broomfield; grandchildren Amanda (Mark) Kresser of Manhattan Beach, CA, Zachary (Lauren Stutesville) Weber of Long Beach, CA, Gunnar Weber of Greeley, Jason (Kristin) Klipp of Greeley, Tyrel (Audra) Davies of Brush, Elizabeth (Luke) Schmidt of Platteville, Andrew Davies of Broomfield; great grandchildren Tasia Weber of Eldorado Springs, MO, Charlie and Tillie Kresser of Manhattan Beach, CA, Charlee Davies of Brush, Kamden Klipp of Greeley, Landyn Schmidt of Platteville, sister- in –law Donna Hancock of Federal Way, WA and numerous extended family members. He was precede in death by his parents, wife, brothers Elmer, Doug, Harold and Lee, sisters-in-law Elizabeth McCarthy, Maureen and Eleanor. Memorial service will be Saturday, August 8, 2015, 10:30 at Community Presbyterian Church in Rocky Ford with Rev. Steve Culver officiating. Military inurnment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Presbyterian Church, 303 S. 9th street, Rocky Ford, CO 81067. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.