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David A Hanks

David A Hanks

Aug. 16, 1935 - Aug. 11, 2024

Date of Service: Aug. 24, 2024

Service Program

LEHI, UT – Dave, a former wrestling and football coach and Biology teacher at Burley High School, passed to the other side of the veil to be with his beloved, Carolyn, on August 11, 2024.

They both retired from the Burley schools in 1997, after which they traveled the North American Continent taking wildlife pictures and writing short articles for the Mini-Cassia Weekly News Journal and maintaining their website. (www.davesnaturephotos.com)

Dave was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he strove to keep the covenants that he made.

He is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Jo Ash (Allen) of Lehi, Utah; son, Bryan David Hanks (Inessa) of Monterey, California; three grandchildren, Clinton Allen Ash (Kylie), Koy Allen Ash (Kaylie), and Kaylee Jo Matua ( Chase); and seven great-grandchildren, Griffin, Skye, Beck, Navy, Crew, Jane and Molly.

He will be buried next to his wife at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 24. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Dave’s family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to those who gave care at Abbington Manor at Lehi and Enhabit Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, please help someone in need.

Condolences for David A Hanks

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Gordon Kerbs:
Hanks family: what a wonderful tribute to Dave today. When some of his writings were shared, I could actually hear him saying those words. I was fortunate enough to become friends with Dave, through coaching at teaching at BHS. In his later years he would help me out at some events, when was I the athletic director. He was very proud of his coaches card that had him listed as assistant athletic director. He was loved by so many students and athletes throughout his years. And was very respected by his fellow teachers and coaches as well. No question that he touched so many lives. I was one of those fortunate individuals. Dave will certainly be missed and loved, but certainly not forgotten. I looked forward to the beginning of the school year when he would come to my office and give me one his calendars he put together. I can just visualize his ear to ear grin as he is finally reunited with his beloved wife. Oh how he missed her. RIP Coach Hanks.
From David Badger:
Dave was a great friend and colleague at Burley High School where I was lucky enough to have him as a mentor. He was a gifted teacher who taught generations of students to understand and respect the natural world. I am happy that he is finally reunited with his beloved Carolyn.
From A Charles Clark:
So happy that he is now with Carolyn. Some of my favorite teenage memories are with Uncle David. Soon after marriage they moved into the "little gray house" on Grandfather Hanks' property (where I happened to have been born). I would often bicycle over to their home, discuss literature and the books I was reading with Carolyn, thrill at the stories David would tell of his athletic achievements at BYU ( I tried to listen to every football game he played in over KSL radio) and treat me as if I were more than an interested teenager. Always a hero to me. Later in life I often heard from different folks about his teaching prowess, which is one of the greatest talents one can have. So glad he is my uncle! All the best to his posterity.
From Jen (Anderson) Holyoak :
Oooh Mr. Hanks (The King), you are by far and wide my most favorite teacher. You made biology fun and such an adventure. I mean come on who else has a pointer stick that can reach to the back of the room or who else would show up to class on Halloween with an extra eyeball on his forehead. Love you friend...take a tally.
From john mahoney:
It seemed just yesterday he was my intro to biology teacher at burley high school he impressed me with his desire to teach and from there I continued to take his nature biology class something I enjoyed with the rest of his students. The elite ones at that or at least we thought so from that time my love for biology continued into graduate school all because my foundation was solid and a love for it grew. All because Mr. H. I bid farewell to coach/teach my memories will stay with me until I part this world. I also give my condolences to him and his family.
From Rocky Child:
Mr. Hanks was so cool and one of my favorite teachers....he made Biology fun (take a tally). I never saw or heard of anyone ever misbehaving in any of his classes, I think that was because he was well respected and kids enjoyed learning while in his classroom.

Cool life lesson I learned from him...I remember him buying a new dodge truck. He had set aside money each month in the amount of a new truck payment and then saved up his monthly payments until he could afford the truck he wanted with cash....thought that was impressive (it impressed me as a young man).

He made my laugh and smile everyday that I was in his class, I was grateful he was part of my day. What a great teacher. He asked me over and over to wrestle, looking back, I wish I had taken him up on that, he would have been an amazing coach. He deserves a big tally to get him through those pearly gates!
From Brent Johnson:
What a friend, leader, coach, and inspirational teacher. So many wonderful memories of Coach Hanks. Without a doubt, he shaped me into the man I became.
From L D Sager:
I was fortunate to be able to watch a master teacher at work. In fact he was so inspiring that I followed his lead into the classroom, always attempting to emulate his style. I envied his ability to entertain students while pitching educational tidbits into their heads. What a GREAT man!!! He enriched so many students lives. My condolences to the entire Hank’s family.
From Tom Garrard:
One of my most favorite to teachers from High School. Mr. Hanks was truly a great man and I am blessed for having known him.
From Zya McKenzie:
I remember having Mr Hank’s for Biology and extra credit for bringing things for his classroom pets.
From Lynn Gerratt:
Many times I am asked to think of an inspirational teacher. I always think of Coach Hanks. His lessons in the classroom and on the wrestling mat are still vivid in my mind. Thank you Coach, for investing so much of yourself in so many of us.
From Carolyn G Sappington:
I know how lonely Uncle David has been the past few years. I'm sure that he is thrilled to be with Carolyn again. He was a good man and loved by many.
From Brent Johnson:
What a friend, leader, coach, and inspirational teacher. So many wonderful memories of Coach Hanks. Without a doubt, he shaped me into the man I became.
From Michelle Robertson Hanks:
I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Hanks was a great friend to my dad and a great teacher for me.
From Carla Crane Osborne :
I loved Mr. Hanks biology class. He was always so kind. I still picture him as a gentle giant.
From Ken & Billie Rae DeNaughel :
What a great example he was to all of us. We missed him when he moved away.
From Joel and Eria Brown:
Very sorry for your loss, Allen and Liz and family. Your father sounds like an extraordinary man. We are thinking of you guys and wish you comfort during this difficult time.
From Laureen Vance:
I know it was a joyful reunion with the love of his life, Aunt Carolyn. I love you Uncle David.
From Bob and Eileen Ramsey :
What a great teacher Thank you and a good man . Our kids loved his class. No one taught like Mr Hanks.
From Lorri Critchfield Quas :
Although I loved every minute in his classroom, his candy quizzes ensured he was always a favorite at Burley High. Rest in paradise Mr. Hanks.
From Stan Hanks:
Uncle David has been miserable since Aunt Carolyn's death. We are grateful he can join her now.
From Sherrie Hanks Warner:
God be with you, till we meet again. Love you.
From Richard Lujan :
My deepest condolences to Elizabeth, Bryan and family. I'm saddened in the loss of a great man, yet I am so very grateful to have been blessed to know him. Coach was an inspiration and pillar in every sense of the words. To the grandchildren and great-grandchildren I would like to leave a couple thoughts. Your grandfather was truly a great teacher, coach, friend and a man of great faith. May you all find and gain strength and love in each other through these times of loss. Celebrate his life, achievements and inspiration. My condolences again. Thanks Coach.
From KC Thompson:
Bryan- sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was an amazing person, teacher, coach and mentor. I remember him teaching Biology and he would put on the King Crown to play games to help us learn Biology.
From David Gerratt:
He was a good teacher and a great friend. His classroom signs were awesome. I will remember him as the "King" in Burger King crown.
From Jon Searle :
I have so fond memories of coach Hanks. A wonderful man and example. Sorry I will not be able to attend the funeral.
From Amanda Crump:
Mr. Hanks was a true inspiration! Not only was he my favorite teacher in high school, but he truly inspired me in my love for biology and the outdoors. I have shared his memorable plant stories to literally 100s of youth while helping to make learning about our natural world fun. Mr. Hanks will be missed, but never forgotten.
From Stefan Praegitzer :
Lord you took a great man to join you! You'll be greatly missed Mr Hanks. I loved the classes I took and time spent out in nature with you. Fly free young man! "Tally"
From Shelley Jensen Jones:
Totally the best teacher ever! He alway kept his students in wanting to excel in his class ! I am so glad some of my boys also had him as a mentor! Praying for this family on his loss know he is flying high enjoying every bird!
From Leslie Taylor Joyce:
As a teacher myself (retired after 36 years) I am often asked about teachers who influenced me. There were many, but none more so than Mr. Hanks. I still remember, 47 years later, many of the things I learned in Sophomore Biology. He was a wonderful man and teacher. Love to his family…
From Janelle Hanks Bakker :
I loved Mr. Hanks! I am now a biology teacher and strive to be as amazing as he was. I still remember his “tally” system and trying to keep track of when he said it’s
From Mandy Jackman Zeschke:
I have such fond memories of Mr. Hanks in biology class and at wrestling meets. He and my dad were great friends and I'm sure they will find each other again. Liz, my thoughts are with you. I hope you are remembering all the great things about your dad.
From Matt Larson:
I will always remember Mr. Hank's biology class. He was a great man and an inspiration to all his students.
From Maria Sanchez Fuentes:
So very sorry for the family's loss, Mr. Hanks was a great teacher.

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