Retired Master Sergeant Kenneth Dudley Hanks, formerly of Eagle River, AK, passed away in his Summerset, SD home on July 30, 2018 after an extended illness. He was 58 years old.

Dudley, as he was known by family and friends, was born August 2, 1959 in San Augustine, TX to K.D. and Erlene (Knighton) Hanks. He graduated from San Augustine H.S. in 1977 and enlisted in the U.S. Army the following year. Dudley made a 20+ year career in the Army, receiving numerous honors, medals, badges, and ribbons. The accomplishment he was most proud of during his military career was becoming a member of the Army Rangers. Dudley was a relaxed-kind-of-guy with a light-hearted humor who "never met a stranger".

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 37 years, Sylvia Lopez Hanks of Summerset, SD; son, Eugene Hanks and wife Jennifer of Palmer, AK; daughter, Michelle (Hanks) and husband Patrick Powell of Oakland, OR; son Jonathan Hanks of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Brandon Hanks and Gabrielle Hanks of Palmer, AK; Steven Hanks of Minneapolis, MN; Skylar Powell and Hunter Powell of Oakland, OR; Aidan "Digger" Hanks of Hermosa, SD; sister, Kathy Hanks (Kilcrease) and husband Jimmy Wimberley of East Texas; brother, Joe David Hanks and wife Carissa of San Augustine, TX; as well as numerous friends and extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents K.D. and Erlene Hanks and father-in-law and mother-in-law Carl and Berta Lopez.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, August 6, 2018 promptly at 3:00 pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery, 20901 Pleasant Valley Drive, Sturgis, South Dakota. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Air Warriors Courage Foundation . A donation link has been set up on the Facebook page of Dudley Hanks.

Arrangements are with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.