Ben Hankins III
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ben Hankins III, who left this world on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on April 18, 1953, Ben was a man whose life was marked by good times, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Ben was a life-long resident of Excelsior Springs, MO. He graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1971. After high school, he worked at Mohr Value, Mod Labs, and retired from General Motors in 2007 after 30 years. He was known for his dependability, his generosity, and his ability to bring people together.
Ben loved his family. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, son, caregiver, brother and friend. On September 9, 1977, Ben and Debbie married. Together they welcomed sons Steven, in 1979, and Shane, in 1983. Ben and Debbie enjoyed traveling, especially to Mexico, Florida, Colorado, and visiting family over the years. In 2007, he donated a kidney to his stepmother, Vickie, and continued to be her caregiver until her passing in 2019.
Ben enjoyed being a grandfather and spending time with his grandkids. Ben loved to share stories, and his laughter would fill the room. In his free time, Ben enjoyed golfing, tailgating at Royals and Mizzou games, watching sports, listening to music, and hanging out in his garage with Doug and Richard. He loved sports, and he amassed a large collection of Royals and George Brett memorabilia. Royals opening day games shared with Debbie, his sons, and friends are fond memories. Ben was also an active member of the Excelsior Springs Quarterback Club for many years.
Ben is survived by his wife, Debbie (McGaugh) Hankins; sons, Steven (Amy) Hankins and Shane (Danielle) Hankins; grandchildren, Emily, Ben, Natalie, Ryan, Colin, and Maggie; sister, Dorothy Menegatos (Nathan); brothers, James (Mariana) Hankins and Tim (Barbara) Hankins; many in-laws, nephews, and nieces.
Ben was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah, father, Ben Hankins, Jr., and brother, Billy D. O’Dell.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Debbie, Shane, Danielle & family, Steven, Amy & family,
Earl and I are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband, dad, father-in-law and grandpa.
May you be comforted by your faith, the prayers spoken on your behalf, your personal memories, and sentiments and recollections of Ben expressed by others.
We first got to know Ben as a dedicated member of the Quarterback Club who always visited our business seeking a sponsorship/ad buy to financially support ESHS football/sports. He was a great ambassador of the Club and an enthusiastic supporter of the athletes!
Of course, in a small town our paths crossed often and we became friends. We are thankful for that!
Years later, as you know, you became our extended family when Shane and Danielle got married. We are thankful we got to spend so many good times at birthday parties, grandkid’s sports, recitals, etc. with Ben and you, Debbie. We’ll always remember those good times with a smile and some tears of what was, I’m sure.
We’ll miss Ben. May he fly high on the wings of angels, be completely healed, reunited with loved ones who got to Heaven before him and be there to welcome family & friends who will follow one day.
Our love and prayers,
Earl & Linda
Shane, sorry for you and your family’s loss.
John
Having fond memories of Ben from school days, I always saw Ben as just one of us guys. That all changed when I heard that he gave one of his kidneys to his mother-in-law. That made me realize what a special guy he was. I will miss that Ben smile and laughter. God Bless you, your family and loved ones!
Bill Marcell