Obituary
Carl Dowen Hancock, 83, of Apopka, Fl, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 18, 2024. He was born January 24, 1940 in Heber Springs, Arkansas. He spent his early childhood between Heber Springs and Newman, California. His family settled in Newman where he spent the majority of his formative years, graduating Orestimba High School in 1958. After high school, he started dating childhood friend Margaret Martin whom he married in August 1960. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last summer.
After high school, he attended Fresno State, where he earned his Bachelor of Science then went on to Santa Clara to attain his Masters Degree in Economics. He entered into a very successful career with Western Electric, later transitioning into AT&T Federal Systems, which he retired from in December of 1989. During the course of his career, Carl worked in many areas of the country, where he and Margaret moved their family and established roots and friendships. Carl lived in California, New Jersey, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia before he and Margaret made their last move to Florida in 1994.
Carl and Margaret both loved to travel and retirement allowed them to continue their exploration of our country and the world. They were able to visit 49 states, all but Alaska, and 35 countries on 5 continents. Carl even acquiesced to cruising in his later years and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Carl and Margaret were both only children but they were blessed to have established many strong relationships throughout their lives with friends that they considered family. These people enriched their lives providing both of them love, laughter and support.
CARL HATED COLD AND SNOW. Retiring in Florida was an intentional choice to avoid having to shovel snow ever again. He would, however, go back north to visit his grandchildren in the winter for holidays and birthdays. Florida was also an intentional choice to support his love of golf. Carl loved to watch all sports. He especially loved to watch baseball and football. The Yankees and the Oakland Raiders were his two favorite teams. He was an accomplished tennis player in his youth, winning titles in high school. He was also a league bowler in the 1970’s and 80’s. Carl’s passion, as he moved into his middle age and stayed with him, was golf. Carl loved the game of golf. He took over as co-commissioner of a storied local golf tournament known S.H.A.F.T.S. (Slices, Hooks And Fancy Trap Shots) for well over a decade. One of his great joys was putting on this six day tournament. Friends came in from all over the country to participate. Carl greatly enjoyed playing the game, he loved watching golf on tv, and he especially loved the camaraderie on the course and in the clubhouse at the 19th hole.
He lived his life with a strong moral compass and a heart full of love for his family and friends. He was smart, funny, kind, compassionate, and determined with a great capacity to enjoy life. He especially loved his grandchildren. They brought him tremendous joy and he cherished the time he spent with them. Carl planned many special trips with his grandchildren that they will all remember throughout their lives.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Elizabeth, his daughter Victoria Lynn Fanning, her husband Brian Fanning, Veronica Layne Hancock, her partner, Brian Smith, his son Christopher Dowen Hancock, his fiancee Jayme Scott; his six grandchildren, who knew him as Papa, Morgan Desko, Jack Fanning, Jordan Hancock, Tristan Mullen, Taylor Hancock and Faith Fanning; two great grandchildren, Scarlett Desko and Greyson Desko. All are devastated, but thankful that his suffering was brief. Graveside services will be held for Carl in March in Newman, California. Carl will be remembered with love, joy and reverence by all who knew him.
Friendship and sympathy and love,
Mary Relvas Coelho