JAMES CHARLES HANKA, SR.

1937-2017

James Charles Hanka, Sr., 80 of Ocean View, HI and Wharton, TX, went to be with his Savior Lord Jesus Christ on October 4, 2017 in Houston, Texas. James was born on May 12, 1937 to George A. Hanka, Sr. and Hermenia Hrna Hanka in Houston, TX. He was a graduate of Aldine High School, class of 1955. James was reared on a dairy/ truck farm in Northeast Harris County and he continued in the family tradition of farming. He was one of the early growers of Oriental vegetables in the Gulf Coast region.

James is survived by his wife, Priscilla Hanka; daughter, Heidi Koch (Michael) and sons, James C. Hanka, Jr. (Velmira), Thomas W. Hanka (Janie), Peter Hanka (Lucy) and Joseph Hanka (Melanie); stepdaughters, Lani Lauter and Lisa Wilson. Surviving sisters are Barbara Seelhorst and Shirley Ostinelli. Twenty grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren also survive. James was preceded in death by his son, Paul Hanka and his brother, George Hanka, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2017 from 6 till 8 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home. A reception is planned for family and friends in the Sweeny area on Monday at 12 noon at Gulf Coast Bible Church, 20 County Road 502, Sweeny, TX. Private family services will be held on Monday, October 9. Friends and family are invited to a reception at 5pm Monday October 9 at Wharton Civic Center, 1924 North Fulton, Wharton.

James and Priscilla Hanka and family want to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude for the excellent care afforded James by Dr. Elias Jabbour, Dr. Hagop Kantarjian and the entire MD Anderson Leukemia Department team.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MD Anderson Leukemia Department or MD Anderson Pediatric Leukemia Department1220 Holcombe BLVD #1256, Houston, Texas 77030.

Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com