Michael Dennis Hankins

Waco Mike was the middle of three children born to Obie and Virginia Hankins of Bakersfield, California. Obie was a businessman owning different businesses throughout his life including a used car dealership, a restaurant and eventually a farm in Wasco, California. Observing his father's successes in business, Mike developed a passion for finance and farming. Obie and Virginia's dedication to their family lead Mike to a lifetime of putting his family's needs and desires at the forefront of Mike's experience.

Mike attended and graduated from Wasco High School in 1959. Throughout his experience in high school, Mike worked hard on the farm. Following high school, Mike studied Agribusiness with a Plant Science Option at Fresno State and graduated with the class of 1964. While at Fresno State, he met his future wife and the love of his life, Tamara Nielsen of Fowler, California. Upon graduation from Fresno State, Mike moved back to Wasco to work on his family's farm. Mike farmed for 2 years, then married Tami on August 6, 1966 in Fresno. Mike and Tami began their life together in Shafter close to where Mike farmed. Four years after marrying, Mike and Tami welcomed their first son, Brent, in May of 1970. At that time, he and Tami moved to the family farm in Wasco, as the third generation of Hankins to live there. Mike and Tami had their second son, Kip, in 1973, and his boys along with his relationship with Tami became the focus of his life.

In farming, Mike pursued his passion and grew many row crops including cotton, sugar beets, onions, alfalfa, roses, wheat and safflower. He planted his first almond orchard in the 1960's as one of the early adopters of almond farming in Kern County. He was a founding member of the Kernpareil Almond Huller and served as it's president for over 40 years. He was also a board member of the Bakersfield Production Credit Association and the Valley Federal Land Bank Association.

Mike loved to travel with family and friends and his travels took him throughout the world. Some of his favorite annual trips included bass fishing in Mexico, snow skiing in Lake Tahoe and a summer trip to Newport Beach. During the fall football season, Mike had a passion for USC football and he enjoyed attending every game possible.

Above all, Mike will be remembered for his dedication and commitment to his family. His deep love for Tami was apparent throughout his life, even after she passed. He maintained a close and connected relationship with Brent, Kip and wife Caroline up until the last day of his life. He took special care of his grandkids and extended family and nurtured many close and lifelong friendships. Anyone who was privileged to know Mike understands this earth is not the same without him. All whose paths were fortunate to cross his were touched and will forever be grateful for their experience with him. His greatest accomplishment in life was his meaningful relationships with others.

Mike is survived by his son Brent, son Kip and wife Caroline, and grandchildren Thad, Bridget, and Margaret, his brother Douglas Hankins, his nephew Brad Hankins and wife Summer, his nephew Trent Hankins, and his nephew Tim Hallmark and wife Theresa.

He was preceded in death by his wife Tami, sister Carolyn, mother Virginia and father Obie.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. William Baker and Dr. Ravi Patel for their inspirational care as Mike battled cancer. In addition, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Maria Leal and Lorraine Ramos provided exceptional care for Mike during the final portion of his life journey.

Mike will be laid to rest in a graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Park on January 26, 2024 at 10 am. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Congregational Bible Church of Shafter.