William "Doc" Hancock

Longtime Wahoo resident Dr. William F. Hancock, fondly referred to as Doc Hancock, age 86, died Thursday August 25, 2016 in his home in Swedeburg, NE surrounded by his loving wife, MaryAnn (Haba) and his six children. Doc was born March 3, 1930 in Wahoo, NE to Glenn and Esther Hancock. At a young age, "Doc" developed a love for animals. He grew up taking in all sorts of animals and nursing them back to health. He worked at the Wahoo Sale Barn during his youth. He loved to reminisce about the time spent at Wanahoo and Dance Island. He loved hunting (often with Sheriff Joe Divis) and the family would frequently see him return, walking up the street, shirtless, carrying a bundle which held infant rabbits, squirrels, etc.  He and his mother, Esther, would feed them using tiny doll bottles. Bill enlisted in the Marines in July, 1948. He served one year and was honorably discharged in July, 1949. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corp in November, 1951 and served during the Korean War until April 25, 1952. He attained the rank of Corporal and served as a Topographical Surveyor. It was during the war that he earned the Purple Heart for Bravery. On February 16, 1952, he married MaryAnn Haba at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wahoo. They soon moved to Fort Collins, Colorado so that he could attend Veterinarian School. After graduation, they moved to Crete, NE and established the Crete Veterinary Clinic. During this time, he and MaryAnn had four children - Patrick, Carrie, Bill, and Ann. In 1971, he sold the business and the farm to move his family to New Zealand where he was a poultry inspector for the Government. After a year, the family moved back to Wahoo. He worked for several years at Farmland while he established Wahoo Animal Clinic. Two more children arrived during this time as Eric and Mike joined the crew. Doc was a well-known Veterinarian in the area until 2010 when he decided to semi-retire. He is well known for his love of education as he served on the Wahoo School Board for 12 years from 1982-1994 and was President three different occasions - 1983, 1993, 1994. He was a devoted member of the American Legion #82 in Wahoo and Past Commander. Doc was very proud of his children and often boasted that he was the luckiest man alive because all six of his children and his grandchildren live close by. He loved gardening, woodworking, gadgets of all kinds, the home shopping network, his beloved horses Dick and Daisy, Daisy and Queen, Dolly, Susie and Banner; faithful dogs Bailey, Muggins, and Bruce. He is survived by his wife MaryAnn Hancock; children Patrick and Kathy (Pleasants) Hancock, Carrie and Russell Barry, Bill and Renee (Wachal) Hancock, Ann and Dean Egr, Eric and Traci (Novotny) Hancock, Mike and Tammy (Jakub) Hancock; grandchildren Patrick Hancock, Adam and Rachel, Justin, Jessica Barry and fiancé Patrick Kurth. Morgan, Sydney and Billy Hancock; Mahala and Dylan Egr; Tucker, Cooper, Harper, Bryer, and Thatcher Hancock; Owen, Addysen, Griffin, Jaxson Hancock; special family members Annie Ngu and James, Nick, Helen, Mckenzie Ngu and Nancy Lase, Josh Williams, Walker, Kristin, Josh and Alyssa Luedtke; brothers and sisters Ruth Wells, Robert and Mary Hancock, Jean Proud, Jim and Marlene Hancock, Loy and Dave Cook, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents Glenn and Esther Hancock; brothers-in-law Ord Wells and Richard Proud. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family will designate memorials. Casket Bearers: Patrick Hancock, Adam and Justin Barry, Billy Hancock, Dylan Egr, Tucker Hancock, Owen Hancock, and Cooper Hancock Honorary Casket Bearers: Jessica Barry, Morgan Hancock, Sydney Hancock, Mahala Egr, Harper Hancock, Bryer Hancock, Thatcher Hancock, Addysen Hancock, Griffin Hancock, and Jaxson Hancock.