Risdon "Hank" Hankinson

Dr. Risdon William "Hank" Hankinson, a distinguished chemical engineer, devoted community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, at the age of 87. Born on December 11, 1938, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Hank was the son of William and Rose Mary Hankinson. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1956, where, just prior to graduation, he met the love of his life, Lyla Lee Pollard and was married on June 4, 1960, at Christ Episcopal Church in St. Joseph—a union that would span nearly 66 years of shared adventure, faith, and family. A lifelong scholar, Hank earned his B.S. and M.S. from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (now Missouri S&T) and his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 1967. Prior to embarking on his Ph.D program, he offered service to his country; he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, earning the Chemical School Excellence Award during his active duty at Fort McClellan. In 1967, Hank and Lyla arrived in Bartlesville for what they thought would be a two-year stay with Phillips Petroleum Company. Instead, they fell in love with the "Supercity" and stayed for nearly six decades. Hank’s career at Phillips was impressive, culminating in his role as Manager of Advanced Modeling Technology. A Fellow of the AIChE and the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers, he was honored with the prestigious Hanlon Award in 1996, one of the highest accolades in the petroleum industry. Hank authored countless technical papers and presented his work worldwide. He served as Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at Oklahoma State University (1965–75) and Oklahoma Wesleyan (1967–71). Beyond his professional success, Hank’s heart belonged to his community and his faith. After joining the Catholic Church in 1975, he became heavily involved at St. John before the Latin Gate Catholic Church, serving as a Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, an RCIA instructor for over 20 years, and a member of the Parish Council. He was also a past President of the Downtown Kiwanis Club, Board Chair for the Alcohol and Drug Center Inc., and was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. In retirement, Hank swapped thermodynamics for the written word. He became an accomplished writer, publishing several works in amateur anthologies and finding great joy in storytelling. He enjoyed traveling, was a reluctant but enthusiastic golfer, and a man who cherished Sunday afternoons at the club pool with his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lyla Lee Hankinson of Bartlesville; his sister Elizabeth Miller of Odessa, Missouri; his five children: Ken Hankinson of Vinita, OK; Michelle Ramsey of Bartlesville; Mike Hankinson with his wife Misty of Lake Jackson, TX; Mark Hankinson with his wife Lindsey of Dallas, TX; and Doug Hankinson with his wife Stacey of Edmond, OK. He also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren who will miss Papaw dearly. He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Rodney Ramsey. Hank often said he was "among the very fortunate" because he truly loved his work and his life. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a strong commitment to his family.

Risdon "Hank" Hankinson

December 11, 1938 - March 8, 2026