Daryl "Duane" Hankins, of Norwalk, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.

Duane was born to Kenneth and Regina Hankins and was raised in Norwalk, where he graduated from Norwalk High School in 1961. A talented athlete, one of his proudest memories was playing basketball for the Norwalk Warriors. During a memorable game against Carlisle in his senior year, Duane scored an impressive 28 points in the first half—a feat he enjoyed reminiscing about throughout his life. He attended Simpson College before transferring to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, where he earned his degree in business and was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity.

Following college, Duane honorably served his country in the United States Army. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG), served in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1969. His military service remained a source of great pride throughout his life.

After returning home, Duane built a successful career as an insurance underwriter and later worked as a realtor. Along the way, he lived in Iowa, California, and Arizona, forming many lasting friendships wherever life took him.

Duane had a larger-than-life personality and was known for his quick wit, playful spirit, and love of practical jokes. He delighted in making others laugh and never missed an opportunity to tease family and friends with his trademark sense of humor.

He embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed traveling, trying his luck at the casino, and searching for unique antiques while shopping. A lifelong sports fan, Duane loved basketball and took great pride in cheering on his great-nephew, Blake Chittenden, during his years playing for Norwalk High School. He also enjoyed following former Hawkeye standout Caitlin Clark.

Gifted with remarkable creativity and artistic talent, Duane had an eye for beauty and wasn't afraid to add his own unique touch to every project. One of his favorite memories was working side by side with his great-niece, Sierra, designing and arranging all the flowers for her wedding to Skyler Edgington. He also loved cooking, experimenting with his own recipes, gardening, and sharing the fruits of his labor with those around him.

Duane had a generous heart and quietly helped others whenever he could, never expecting anything in return. He shared a special love for dogs and horses, and animals always held a special place in his heart.

Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Kenneth "Allen" (Phyllis) Hankins; his niece, Sonya (Marty) Chittenden; his great-nephews and great-nieces, Blake (Samantha) Chittenden, Sierra (Skyler) Edgington, and Allison Hankins; along with many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Regina Hankins, and his nephew, Michael Hankins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Duane's memory may be directed to Kiya Koda Humane Society.