Larry Norman Hanke, of Gonzales, passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at the age of 88. Larry was born in Cuero, Texas on December 3, 1932, to Morris and Helen Blaschke Hanke. He graduated from Cuero High School. Larry married the love of his life, Eunice Mercer, on December 16, 1951, and they have been married for over 69 years. Larry was a member of the First Baptist Church and a life member of the Elks Lodge.

Larry was a lifelong farmer and rancher and has always enjoyed the outdoors. He provided custom farm services for many customers all across Gonzales County, such as: planting crops, baling hay, and coastal Bermuda sprig planting. He was a very honest and hard-working man. Larry hired many young men to help him in his work, instilling into them his knowledge and strong work ethic. After working for Larry for a while, most of his workers would have the comfort of calling him “Pop.”

Larry was an avid hunter and fisherman in both fresh and saltwater fishing. Because of this, some of his favorite vacation spots were Rockport and Port O’Conner. Larry loved to travel. His top two best adventures were cruises, one to Alaska and the other through the Panama Canal.

The love Larry had for his family was immense, especially his grandchildren. His neighbors knew him for his friendliness. He enjoyed planting in his own garden, always sharing his abundance of vegetables amongst his family, friends, and neighbors. Larry never met a stranger, and he treated everyone he knew like family. He was always there to offer support and guidance as needed.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Excel Home Health Nurses, Mechelle and Brittany, and the whole team at Heart-to-Heart Hospice, for their compassionate care to Larry and his entire family.

Larry is survived by his wife, Eunice Hanke, sons, Larry Hanke, Jr. (Diana), Kenneth Hanke (Cathy), grandchildren, Kelley Hanke Cooney (Barry), Angela Hanke Estes (Bana), Kenna Hanke Camarillo (Gilbert), Kenneth Hanke, Jr. (Lisa), great-grandchildren, Erin Cooney, Hannah Baker, Ashtyn Estes, Brenden Estes, nephews, Raymond Hanke (Annette), Morris Hanke, III (Billie), Charles Hanke (Wanda), Gene Mercer (Vicki), nieces, Judy Acker Wright (Kenneth), Valarie Acker, and special friend, Sherry Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Donna Lynn Hanke, brothers, Erich A. Hanke, Morris A. Hanke, Jr., great-grandchild, Corban Camarillo, nephew, Norman Hanke, and nieces, Rhonda Mercer Cook and Melissa Acker.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 1-2 PM in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 2 PM. A private family interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Cuero, Texas. Honorary pallbearers include: Frank Pivoda, Morris Hanke, III, Gene Mercer, Bana Estes, Barry Cooney, Gilbert Camarillo, and Riley Brown. Memorials may be made to the: First Baptist Church of Gonzales or Heart-to-Heart Hospice. Friends may sign the guestbook by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.