Danny Duane Hankins, 60, of Elkhart, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 12:16 in the afternoon at his home while recovering from surgery he had that Friday.

He was born in South Bend on February 23, 1963 to the late Larry L. Hankins and Andrea J. (Murray) Starkweather and is also preceded in death by his late beloved wife, Sherry (Adams) Hankins and a brother, Jeffery A. Starkweather.

Surviving is a son, Chad P. Lewis of Nobleton, Florida and a daughter, Tiara Hankins of Kentucky; his sister Pam (Charles) Hankins-Huffer of Elkhart; 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Danny will also be remembered by a host of friends and extended family down south, as Danny lived and worked in the Nobleton/Spring Hill/ Hudson, Florida area for many, many years and maintained many friendships.

In accordance with Danny's wishes, there will be no public visitation or services and his cremated remains will be returned to his beloved Florida. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been assisting Danny's family with the arrangements.

Danny worked as a roofer most of his adult life and had been employed as a supervisor for the past 20 years at Turnkey Roofing of Florida, Inc., one of the state's largest independent roofers, prior to falling ill.

Although Danny's impeccable work ethic would say otherwise, Danny himself would convince you that there was much more to life than punching a time clock. He was an enthusiastic Harley Davidson rider, and naturally enjoyed the wind and Florida sunshine in his face when he needed to get his mind right. He was also a talented fisherman and loved to cash in on Florida's reputation as a fisherman's paradise. In fact, his other favorite pastime next to riding his Harley was to go fishing with his family, especially his grandchildren. Watching their faces light up when they were able to land their own fish was priceless to Danny, and he soaked up every moment.

Danny was a member of the Goshen Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #836 and could oftentimes be found either there or at Moose #599 in Elkhart, spending time with old friends whenever he was in town.  He was also a huge NASCAR fan (#9 Chase Elliott) and loved anything and everything to do with Florida-based football (Dolphins, Gators, Seminoles, etc.).

Finally, it should be mentioned that Danny's grandchildren will miss him deeply as a friend, mentor, and as an iconic example of what it is to be a good and ethical man.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.