William "Bill" Bertrand Hankins, 81 of Springfield, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2015 in Mercy Hospital. He was born July 6, 1934 in Springfield, the only child of Herschel Hankins and Mary Marie (Collier) Hankins. Bill attended Strafford High School, where in his senior year was editor of the high school newspaper and Valedictorian of his class, graduating in 1952. He served in the United States Navy for 8 years. Bill loved music and played the French horn, clarinet and organ. On August 20, 1960, Bill married Audrey Joan Pranther, his grade school sweetheart. Bill later attended Drury College and received a degree in business administration. In May of 1978, the Hankins adopted who would be their only child, William Andrew Paul Hankins, now deceased. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church in Springfield. He and his wife enjoyed working with young people and troubled youth. Bill spent 43 years working for the Frisco Railroad and saw the changes to Burlington Northern and Sante Fe. Bill leaves behind his wife, Audrey Hankins. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2015 in Danforth Cemetery on Farm Road 213, with Brother Bruce Blankenship officiating, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. No visitation is planned. Memorial contributions may be made to The Kitchen, 1630 North Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803.