John Hancock, age 85 of Salem, passed away on Monday, June 7, 2021 at his home. John worked for the railroad for many years. He started with the C&EI Railroad in the office and advanced to conductor, the C&EI later became the Missouri Pacific and at the time of his retirement 1997 was the Union Pacific. After retirement John worked for several years at Rogers-Atkins Funeral Home. John was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Salem, where he was a Sunday School teacher. John served on several mission trips in many different countries. He was also involved in the Cowden Family Camp for several years.
Funeral Services for John Hancock will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at First Christian Church in Salem with Bill Cash officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Burial will be in Paradise Cemetery in Salem. Memorials can be made to the Cowden Family Camp and can be received at the Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com or on the funeral homes Facebook page.
He married Jane Proctor on October 17, 1959 and she preceded him in death in 1972. He then married Sandra (Yates) Lux on June 8, 1973 at the Free Methodist Church in Salem and she survives in Salem. In addition to his wife Sandy, he is survived by four children, Tammy Friend and husband Berry of Evansville, IN, Ron Lux of Salem, Tracy McMeen of Salem, and Terri Thies and husband Jeff of Highland; daughter-in-law, Angela Lux of Kell; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brothers, Harry Hancock of Johnston City and Michael Hancock and wife Bonita of Villa Ridge; niece, Mary Kay Little; brothers-in-law, Don Proctor of Bountiful, UT and Patricia Bee and husband Don of Salt Lake City, UT; sisters-in-law, Sharon Cash and husband Bill of Iuka, Rita Neaville and husband Danny of Iuka, Brenda Mount and husband Keith of Kinmundy, and Traci Fisk of Iuka; and brother-in-law, Aaron “Butch” Yates and wife Marie of Kinmundy.
John was born on August 20, 1935 in Ullin, Illinois the son of Ray and Gladys (Aden) Hancock. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Jane Hancock; son, Mike Lux; siblings, Ray Hancock, Simon Hancock, Mary Walker, and Rae Ann Ward; and sisters-in-law, Phyllis Gray and Pat Jamison.
