Donald “Ducky” George Hankerson was born in New Brunswick, NJ in 1935. In 1957, Don married Barbara Hush, and in 1959, he enlisted in the US Army, serving for six years. In the summer of 1964, Don moved to California with Barbara, where they later divorced but remained friends. In 1970, Don graduated from the Sheriff’s Academy and began his career in law enforcement, then went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from University of Redlands in 1978. In 1979, Don married Valorie Frisk and they had two sons, Chad and Matthew Hankerson. “Hank” worked for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for 28 years, where he left his mark on multiple divisions, including the training academy, jail, narcotics and homicide. Don retired in 1998 as Lieutenant Hankerson.
Don loved to cook and was known for serving up good, old-fashioned BBQ. If you knew “The Don”, you knew his cooking. He also loved to dance, appreciated a good Scotch and enjoyed listening to Motown or jazz. Don had a voice that put most to shame, and was even a member of the choir and a barbershop quartet as a young man.
On the weekends, Don liked to enter car shows with the 1941 Chevy he received from his brother Alfie, which he reverently fixed up over the years. Don loved sports and was a devout Lakers fan, never missing a game and always catching one courtside each year. One of Don’s greatest joys was being a dad and watching all (and we mean all) of his kids’ games. Don was an exemplary father, and not only served as a role model to his children and grandchildren, but also to many of their friends and teammates. Don volunteered his time often to those in need, but he never dared take any credit. In that way, he took after his father.
Donald Hankerson passed away on December 10, 2023, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
He has gone on to join his parents, Alfred Sr. and Gladys, as well as all of his siblings, Gladys, Mary, Alfred Jr., Evelyn, Lilian, Elizabeth and Tommy. Don is survived by his wife, Valorie, and lives on through his children, Chad (and his wife Shannon) and Matthew (and his wife Tracy). He was affectionately known as “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren, Christopher, Ezrah and Abigail. Don leaves behind a grateful community and a family who cherishes his memory.
Please join us in celebrating Don's life on January 20, 2024: Memorial Service (all welcome) Cortner Chapel (10:30 - 11:30 AM) 221 Brookside Avenue Redlands, CA 92373 Followed by: Celebration of Life (all welcome, please RSVP) The Mitten Building (11:30 AM - 2:30 PM) 345 Fifth Street Redlands, CA 92373 Don’s Memorial website: https://www.cortnerchapel.com/obituaries/Donald-Hankerson-2/#!/TributeWall To RSVP or for any questions please email: hankersonfamilymemorial@gmail.com