Jeffrey Carlton Hancock

Jeffrey Carlton Hancock

1959-2025

Jeffrey Carlton Hancock, age 66, of West Frankfort, Illinois, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 12, 2025.

Jeff was born on August 6, 1959, in Benton, Illinois, the son of Ann and Carl Hancock. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend who lived a life marked by perseverance, humility, and unwavering faith.

On March 17, 1984, he married Karen Hancock, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith in God. Jeff's greatest joy was being a father to Hunter Hancock and Heath Hancock, who will always carry with them his words of encouragement, wisdom, and faith.

Jeff's life was one of resilience. Even in times of illness and hardship, he never lost sight of his hope in Christ. He loved baseball and was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He enjoyed the outdoors and had a passion for hunting and fishing. He owned and operated a gun shop and was a proud gun collector. Earlier in life, he worked in construction and carried a love for building and creating with wood.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Hancock; his sons, Hunter Hancock and Heath (Jackie) Hancock; his grandchildren, Henry and Hannah Hancock; his mother, Ann Hancock; and his sister, Julie (Mike) Parkhill. He is also survived by his niece and nephew, Ben Parkhill and Jenny (Tommy) Burns, and their son Hayden Burns, along with many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a funeral service to celebrate Jeff's life beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, Illinois. Burial will follow at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who compassionately cared for Jeff during his illness.

Jeff's journey on earth has ended, but his eternal life has begun. As 2 Corinthians 5:8 reminds us: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."