Ernest Lee Hanks

Ernest Lee Hanks, 88, of Vidor, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Harbor Hospice House in Beaumont. He was born on October 30, 1937, in Morse, Louisiana to Rene Hanks, Sr., and Zora Hebert Hanks. Ernest graduated from High School in 1957, he married the love of his life Joyce Rainwater on May 7, 1960, and they made their home in Vidor, Texas and had two boys Keith Hanks Sr. and Kevin Hanks.

Ernest retired from the Evadale Papermill on May 1, 1991, he was a man of many hobbies and interests, but the most notable ones were gardening, fishing, dancing, traveling, and yearly summer vacations to Crystal Beach. Ernest also spent years volunteering at the Christian Care Center. One of his all-time favorite hobbies was playing music with his brothers for the residents at Oakwood Manor nursing home.

Ernest was a devout Catholic and a cherished member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Bridge City, Texas.

Ernest was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Joyce Hanks, son Kevin Hanks, brother Bernice Hanks, brother-in-law’s Lonnie Jr. Rainwater, Johnny Rainwater, and Larry Rainwater.

He is survived by his son Keith Hanks Sr. and wife Tracey, daughter-in-law Tammy Hanks-Cleveland, 4 grandchildren: Keith Hanks Jr. and wife Hillary, Morgan Hanks, Stefanie Bouillion, and Owen Hanks and wife Dakota, 5 great grandchildren: Hayleigh, Tre’, Stefan, Brax, and Hudson. Siblings: Rene Hanks Jr. and wife Lucy, Dwight Hanks and wife Teresa, Rena Richard, sister-in-law’s Dorothy Rainwater and Helen Rainwater, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.