On February 4, 2025, Don Gaylon Hancock, 76, jubilantly entered through the pearly gates, no doubt with a contagious smile and funny anecdote to share with St. Peter.
Visitation: 6pm to 8pm Monday, February 10th at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 10am Tuesday, February 11th at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Interment: Waco Memorial Park
Don was born on June 15, 1948 in Waco, TX, to Alvis and Lorene (Hammons) Hancock. With the exception of his time in the US Army Reserve, Dr. Hancock spent the entirety of his life in Lacy Lakeview, attending Lakeview Schools and proudly graduating from Connally High School in 1966. As a young man growing up, Don was a well-rounded athlete excelling in football and track. He developed many lifelong friendships with classmates, creating stories that have endured for decades. In June of 1969, Don married the love of his life, a sweet Czech girl from down the road in West named Pat (Smetak). They were devoted to one another, truly through sickness and in health. Anytime they were out together and heard “Silver Wings” playing on the speaker, Don would find his way to Patty to spin her around the dance floor.
Don was a highly involved father to his children Darren, Kim, and Jason. When they were younger, Don could be found coaching them in baseball and softball. As they grew older, he was involved in their school, either as board member, principal, or superintendent.
One thing Don valued was the power of education. As an adult, he worked his way to earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Baylor, culminating his lifelong learning journey earning his doctorate from the University of North Texas.
Service has always been an integral part of Dr. Hancock. As a young man, he joined the United States Army and later the US Army Reserves. Then, he found his way into the field of education, where he left an indelible mark. He was a teacher and coach in Mart and West in the 70s. From there he obtained a counseling certification and spent time at Midway as a CTE counselor. His tenure in school administration and leadership brought him back to his hometown roots, serving as principal of Connally High School and superintendent of Connally ISD, where he retired in 2005. Dr. Hancock was named ESC 12 Superintendent of the Year in 2003. Following his retirement, Dr. Hancock continued to work with school districts across Central Texas, such as Bosqueville, Rosebud-Lott, Rogers, and Kopperl, in several different capacities.
The cornerstone of his life was his devotion to God and his church. Don was a lifelong member of Lakeview United Methodist Church where he has ushered and taught Sunday School classes for nearly 45 years. He and Pat have been faithful stewards of LUMC and their church family.
While Don has been an incredible Christian servant, husband, father, and leader in education, the role he was born to play is that of “Paw Paw.” He shared his passions for fishing, hunting, and watching sporting events of all kinds. He has always been the biggest cheerleader of Daniel, Easton, Mallory, Camden, and Maddox. If he wasn’t able to be in the stands in person, he was calling immediately at the conclusion of the game or match to find out how their team fared. Those grandkids brought out his inner kid as well, as he could be found in the front yard or in neighbor’s driveways playing wiffle ball, football, or basketball. Don has always been ready to greet them with a hug, a smile, and a bag of some sort of candy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvis and Lorene Hancock; brother Ronnie Hancock; mother-in-law Mary Smetak; brothers-in-law Hank, James, and Marcell. Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat; brother Dwayne and wife Kathie of Temecula, CA; sons Darren (wife Sandra) and Jason Hancock all of Waco; daughter Kim (husband Brian) Wood of Mansfield; grandchildren Daniel and Mallory Hancock and Easton, Camden, and Maddox Wood. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, and friends to cherish his memory.
To honor Don, share a laugh, a joke, or a truly unbelievable story. Ask the people you see, “What’s going on good?” His legacy is undoubtedly the joy he brought with him, the list of friends a mile long, the service to his God, country, and community, and the undying love he had for his family.
This world is better because Dr. Don G. Hancock walked among us and served beside us. Fly high on the silver wings, slowly fading out of sight.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Lakeview United Methodist Church www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=KJ3ZGAQT97K4E or mailed to the church 701 Ave C, Waco, TX 76705.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
My condolences to the family. Don was always a kind person , a very dear friend, and a coworker. He was always willing to help anyone and was more about giving than receiving. Words alone cannot begin to describe Don or his passion for his dedication to children and his coworkers. Connally ISD and the community was fortunate to have Dr. Hancock for so many years. I will sincerely miss him and his non stop humor. Don , you are gone but not forgotten, we will all see you again. Thank you for everything and job well done, now rest easy my friend.
Your forever friends,
Ronnie & Brenda Price
Elm Mott, TX
Pat and family my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Don gave so much of himself not only to Connally ISD but to all who knew him. Don was a true friend, and he will be missed by all who knew him. In our later years we enjoyed our get-togethers where we talked about the old days at Connally and our families. I hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you. May he rest in peace.
Jason and family,
Your father was a wonderful man. Easy going and passionate about everything he did. May you rest in eternal peace Dr. Hancock. You will truly be missed.
Dear Hancock Family,
It was with deep regret that we learned of the death of your husband, father and grandfather, Dr. Don Hancock. I know that words won’t fill the void left in your lives, however, I hope that you will find comfort in the love and sympathy of your many friends.
May I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences. From my family to yours, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
With Warmest Regards,
Russell, Amy, Taylor, and Stephen Devorsky
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you
Lots of old memories from junior high to high school, and glad to have stayed in touch.
My condolences to Don’s family and trust God will comfort them at this time.
Jason and the Hancock family. so sorry to hear about Don. He was such an amazing man and leader. He had a very easy way about him. Easy to talk to. Bosqueville was blessed to have him as our leader and he had a heart for our kids believing that each and every one of them could be anything they wanted to be. May your family rest in peace knowing he is in a better place and sharing all the wonderful memories. Hugs and prayers.
Don was certainly a blessing to all who knew him but especially to those of Connally ISD and the Lakeview Methodist Church. His years of service to the District and Church are well known and a more dedicated servant would be hard to find. He did so much and just one of his accomplishments was being singularly responsible for starting the AFJROTC Unit at Connally High School. My Mom and Dad were very thankful for Don and all the work he did for the Church. To the family: you can take great pride in the life of Don Hancock and all the lives he touched. He made a difference. God bless you all.
Gary and Donna Praesel
Connally ’69
My condolences to the Handcock family. He was a true pillar in the Lacy Lakeview community and a great Principal.
Your entire family is in my prayers.
Don was one of those rare guys you felt grateful to know. I was indeed privileged to hang out with him, whether it was traveling to and from Denton while we worked on our doctorates, attending sports events to cheer on our kids, sharing a classroom teaching Tarleton graduate students, having a blast in Louisiana casinos (he said he always won – I could never verify the voracity of those claims!), staying together at administration retreats (mighta been a couple of beers involved), fishing, beef on the BBQ grill (man, he made the best brisket! Spent days and nights perfecting the cuisine for my son, Ryan’s, wedding reception shindig!), consulting at all hours of the day about school business quandaries, enjoying the country life in bluebonnet covered bed & breakfast overnights with Pat and Melva, and countless hours of merely “hanging out” sharing whacky observations of life (oh my, he could come up with some doozies! These are times when I feel so helpless. As with many others, I’m struggling to know what to do. My heart’s with Pat, Darren, Kim, and Jason. I loved Don….he was more like a wise, witty, caring big brother to me. My entire family grieves over his loss. Words are simply not adequate. Mel, Ryan, Leslie and I are praying that God will send His great Comfort to all Don’s family and friends.
Steve Harris you eloquently expressed how many of us are feeling. I earlier told Kim all I’ve done is think of “Hancock Stories”. Don was a one in a million , he was remarkable at everything he did. But, he always found time to visit with my son Sean. RIP Boss Man!! Thanks for taking me along for the ride.
Dr Hancock and his precious wife ,Pat, came into our lives almost 21 years ago when our son married their beautiful daughter Kimberly Rene. We share three beautiful grandchildren who love their PawPaw with all their heart and will miss him terribly. We became part of an extended family of Woods and Hancocks! We spent holidays together, shared the joys and sorrows in each of our families, and their other two precious GC call us Ama and Papa! We are truly going to miss you, Dr. Don Hancock. We know you are in the care of our Heavenly Father and a host of others whom you loved. May you rest in peace. We will always be blessed by having you in our lives and we will continue to love and support your sweet Pat! She, more than anyone , will miss you the most! Our love and prays go out to and for the ones who loved him most!
Thought and Prayers are with your family. Don was a great man that I had the pleasure of knowing and dealing with as a baseball umpire. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I got to know him through his son-in-law, Brian. Don invited me to take part in several of his dove hunts and fishing trips. He was a great host and a very hospitable. His sense of humor was contagious as well as the yarns he could spin, My prayers go out to his wife, Pat, his daughter Kim, and all the rest of his family. Don, you will be missed, and if there is a good crappie hole in heaven, you’ll find it.
There are no words that can take away the sadness of losing someone you love. My prayers for the Hancock family are for strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Pat, Darren, Kim, Jason, and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Don was a fine Christian man, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed by many who had the privilege of knowing him.
May the Lord give you peace, comfort, and strength at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. ‘Mr. Hancock’ was a wonderful man, and I will always remember the impact he had at Connally. His dedication and hard work helped shape my experience there, leaving a lasting, positive influence on the school and so many students. I also remember how supportive he was—always in the stands, cheering Kim and all of us on. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy, and I know his love and faith will continue to shine through you all. May God bring you comfort and peace during this time, and may you find strength in His promise that we will one day be reunited in His glory.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time. If i was outside doing yard work, Don would stop by, and we would solve the world’s problems and catch up on each other family. I worked several years with his son Darren. I will miss these visits so rest in peace my friend, you will be missed,
Thoughts and prayers to the Hancock family. It’s going to be so strange to know that I won’t see him on my way home, while he is working on his yard, or seeing him at the store. He could always make me laugh. Mrs. Hancock, Kim, Jason and Darren you all are in my prayers during this difficult time. He will be missed.
Don and Pat are some of my lifelong friends. Love them so much. My heart is heavy with this loss. Our trips to Winstar will always be a favorite memory. Love and prayers for the family.
Don Hancock has been one of my best friends since our CISD days starting in the early 60s. I shall always remember our classes together, and the fun we had. Don was truly a great person, a stand up comedian, and a friend full of great wisdom and insight. Also, we spent time together as Army Reservists. I greatly enjoyed getting to know Don’s Mother and Father and his brothers. They were a wonderful family. I obviously loved Don and all the times we spent together. Nancy and I know that Dr. Don Hancock was an outstanding person who will missed by us all. It was a blessing to have known Don, and may all his family members and many friends find comfort for their hearts through their memories and photos with him.
Don, you will never be forgotten and loved.
I have such sweet memories of growing up across the street from Dr. Hancock and Pat. Somewhere in those years I got to spend more time with them, because Pat took care of me after school! The years didn’t stop there, because Dr. Hancock then served as my principal and superintendent while I attended all my school years at Connally. His door was always opened to visit at school, and truly impacted my later years of being an educator. My heart is broken to hear the news! My mom reminded me he would call me “Jennifer Jones!” He had quite a sense of humor, and one of the most loving hearts! I smile at knowing he is in heaven having a beer with my dad, and catching up on lost time!! Pat, Darren, Kim and Jason plus family I’m lifting you all up in prayers!
Jennifer Parma Lassetter
Don was an awesome friend and former neighbor to my late husband, James, and me. He loved my kids and was the best
neighbor we ever had. Our hearts go out to
Pat and family. His involvement in education and young students was un- precedented. I am sure he will be missed
by all that knew him. RIP Don!!
I was so blessed to have have Don and his family as friends. I often reflect on the many trips we made to UNT back in the 90s and our countless time fishing on Lake Aquilla chasing the crappie. God bless you Don!
My prayers and love go out to Jason and the Hancock family. May you find comfort and peace as you recall memories or hear stories from others. Dr. Hancock was a positive, encouraging and direct person with a sense of humor and an amazing memory. He will be greatly missed.
What a beautiful obituary! It really captures Uncle Don. He was a great man, husband, father and community leader! When I was little I thought my middle name was named after Uncle Don. It always made me feel connected. He was someone to look up to and receive gentle tease to let he know he cared. He was a blessing to us all. I am sorry for the loss of Uncle Don so close to Daddy. I know your hearts are heavy and thinking of you all. Wishing you strength in this difficult time.
Don was a great friend to my Dad and family. We loved hearing his fishing stories and I enjoyed working with him when I served on the Connally School Board. Our love and prayers are with the family.
Our prayers, love and condolences are extended to the Hancock family. Such a great loss to all that knew Don. We didn’t formally meet until our youngest got cancer but Don as principal was a champion from the beginning bending the rules to allow Todd to occasionally attend school while on homebound, presiding over a posthumous graduation then being instrumental in having a tree planted at Connally in Todd’s honor and setting up a scholarship. We developed quite a friendship that endured. We always enjoyed Don’s visits when he was “champagning for a cause” and he will be sorely missed.
Don was always kind and sympathetic when I lost my husband and two children and grandson. He was a very caring person
So sorry to hear this news. Don was such an asset to
Connally ISD during his career. Please accept my sincere
sympathy for your loss.
Roxanne Gammage
He will surely be missed. Enjoyed him at Sunday School and seeing him at Church. One respectful man to. Rest in Peace Mr. Hancock.
Sympathy for your loss,
Love you always Pat!!
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.
My most sincere condolences. May God bless you and comfort you.
Sending hugs, love , and prayers to Pat , Darren, Kim, and Jason & all the family ! What a legacy Don leaves to his family, church, school districts, especially to Connally and all his friends . Don had a wonderful sense of humor, a friend, a leader, an educator , advisor, listener!! We enjoyed the times we shared traveling to the casinos and listening To all his jokes & stories ! A great friend who will be missed by so so many ! He made an impact on many students and those who came to know ! Don, rest in heavenly peace with Our Lord ! You have raised a beautiful family who will proudly carry on your legacy . Love & prayers , Ray & Rose Parma
I was very saddened to hear about Don’s passing. What a great Christian man. My prayers go out to Pat and family. He was instrumental in getting me hired as the Senior ROTC Instructor in 1998. I will always be grateful for the 20 years at JROTC. As the superintendent his door was always open for me and I used that opportunity to get his advice on many topics and decisions. Even after his retirement, I have many fond memories of him from delivering food baskets with him during the annual Connally High School Food Drive to seeing him at football games. I agree that he left a huge legacy at Connally ISD. May God Bless the family. Mark Dibrell
Pat,
I’m sorry you are having to go through this.
It does get better. As others have said, think about
the good things. He did leave Connally in better
condition than when he first took over.
God bless you and hoping you are ok.
Sherry Beheler
Kim Rankin
Brad Beheler