Robert E. Hancock, Sr., age 85 of Anderson and formerly of Elwood passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital in Anderson following months of health complications.  He was born on March 26, 1931 in the Elwood area, the son of Frank and Mary (Startsman) Hancock.  Robert worked as a Utility Mechanic for Delco Remy division of General Motors in Anderson in plant 3 for 30 years, and retired in 1979 at the age of 48.  Robert attended Elwood schools, and married Nancy E. Burns on March 18, 1949.  They shared over 58 years of marriage together before her passing in 2007.  Robert was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.  While raising his family, he enjoyed many (often up to four weeks) vacations traveling and camping together, and spending time outdoors.  After his retirement at an early age, he purchased and established a ranch home in Colorado which he named "Rockin H Ranch".  Robert thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years, and lived life to the fullest.

Robert's family includes son, Frank (wife Gail) Hancock of Golden, CO; sister, Mary Adams of Anderson; brother, William "Bill" Hancock of Tennessee; 2 grandchildren, Mark D. (wife Debra) Hancock and Rhonda M. (husband Michael) Dohm; 4 great-grandchildren, Chandler Hancock, Nicholaus Hancock, Madison Dohm, and Bailey Dohm; brother-in-law, David (wife Wilma) Burns of Atlanta; and many nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy E. Hancock in 2007; son, Robert E. Hancock, Jr.; grandson, Robert E. Hancock III; and infant great-grandson, Mark Hancock, Jr.

A funeral service celebrating Robert's life will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Amos Carmichael officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through the funeral home if desired.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.