Donald Hankla

ANNA, Ill. -- Donald J. Hankla, 80, of Anna died Sunday, April 15, 2007, at his home.

He was born Feb. 25, 1927, in Jonesboro, Ill., son of Claude Everett and Marie Boyd Hankla. He and Millicent L. Casper were married Aug. 27, 1946, at Anna.

Hankla was a conservation professional 35 years, first with the state of North Carolina and then with Fish and Wildlife Service from 1961 until retiring in 1986. He was involved in the establishment of numerous refuges in the Southeast section of the United States.

He was involved with partnerships in the Cache River Watershed in Southern Illinois and was a volunteer at Cypress Creek NWR.

Hankla was a member and elder of First Presbyterian Church in Cobden, Ill., Cobden Masonic Lodge 466 AF&AM, Union County Hospital Board, and Cache River Watershed Ecosystem Partnership Board.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, David and John Hankla of Orange Park, Fla.; a daughter, Elizabeth Cranfill of Clemmons, N.C.; a sister, Doris Womick of Anna; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna. A Masonic service will be held at 10:30 a.m.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. Anette Westermark officiating.