V.T. Hancock

Irving -- V.T. Hancock, 87, a U.S. Navy veteran and retired State of Texas Region 6 Director for Water Sanitation passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord on Sunday, April 7, 2013 surrounded by family. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 11th at Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Graveside Service: 3:30 p.m. Coolidge, Texas. Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home. V.T. was born September 8, 1925 in Limestone County to Vol Hancock and Ora Mae (Cochrum) Hancock. He was married 66 years to his loving wife, Iva Lee. V.T. graduated from Coolidge High School in 1943. He attended Westminster College in Tehuacana, Texas and graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. V.T.'s college career was interrupted by his stint in the Navy during World War II. He was assigned to the USS Funston which was a troop transport ship. He was stationed on this ship until the end of the war. Upon his honorable discharge from the service V.T. returned to college and completed his degree. V.T. worked for the State of Texas for 25 years and was responsible for the inspection and certification of City and Municipal water systems all over the north and west regions of Texas. Upon retirement from the state, he was honored with a scholarship in his name for students interested in a civil engineering degree. Upon his retirement V.T. enjoyed any activity which allowed him to be outdoors but especially gardening and taking care of his yard. V.T.'s love of gardening included his prized 'greenhouse' where he planted all of his spring plants and had them ready to go into his garden long before his neighbors. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Irving. Survivors: He is survived by his wife, Iva Lee; his daughter, Susan Elmore, and her husband, Jess of Perrin, Texas; his son, Tommy of Irving, Texas; grandchildren, John Anderson and his wife, Amy, Stephen Hancock and his wife, Jalah, Michael Hancock, Cassie Hancock, Ashley Hale and husband, Mark, Will Elmore and wife, Adrienne; and nine great-grandchildren. Special thanks to caregivers Elsa Gomez, Lasandra Knight and Misty Stegman. Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233