McCOOK, Neb. -- Dr. Vernon Harold "Bud" Hanke passed away Monday, May 9, 2016, at his home in McCook, surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old.

Bud was born on March 21, 1928, at Holyoke, Colo., to parents, William A. and Alma (Schnell) Hanke. The family moved to McCook where Bud graduated from McCook High School in 1946. He continued his education at McCook College, where he played basketball and was a member of the team receiving the national runner-up trophy while he was in school. While Bud was growing up, he worked at his father's business, Big Bill's Smoke House. He also helped his father build the McCook Drive-In Theater.

Bud entered the U.S. Army on Oct. 31, 1950, and served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 21, 1952.

After his discharge, he enrolled in optometry school in Chicago. After receiving his degree, he returned to the McCook community where he started his long career at McCook Eye Clinic. 

Bud was united in marriage to Karen Kay Pollnow on Aug. 10, 1964, at Cheyenne, Wyo. To this union two children, Chris and Shannon, were born.

Bud was a member of the American Optometry Association, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and McCook Elks Lodge. He loved to hunt and fish, and follow his New York Yankees, LA Lakers and Nebraska Huskers. He was notorious for sending things home with his children that were worn out or broken, having the last laugh on them. He was also known to have a heavy foot while driving.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Alma Hanke; his wife, Karen Hanke; one sister, Virginia Fisher; and two brothers, William Jr. and Kenneth Hanke.

Survivors include his daughter, Shannon Hanke of Lincoln; grandson, Broc Bando of Bradenton, Fla.; son, Chris Hanke and wife, Heather; one granddaughter, Farren Hanke and grandson, Greyson Hanke, all of Omaha; two sisters, Alma Mae Short of McCook and Wilda and husband, Marvin Willis, of Amarillo, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends.