Ronald Lee Hancock

Ronald Lee Hancock, 62, of Mankato, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026. He was born on June 10, 1964 in Valentine, Nebraska to Donald and Vernadine (Lapp) Hancock.

Ron graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1981 and then went on to get a welding certificate from Salina Vo-Tech.

He had two daughters, Maci and Jessica, with his first wife. On May 22, 2021, he married Julia Wilson at Lovewell Lake and gained a son, Seth.

Ron was behind the wheel of a truck for the first time at age 16 for harvest and from then on, knew it was where he was meant to be. He was an owner/operator for most of his adult life. He was known in the trucking world as “Fuzzy.” He saw 45 US states and went on harvest for various farmers. He also had a welding shop in Esbon for a period of time.

He had an unwavering work ethic. With over 1000 hours of work, he custom built a Massey Ferguson Mini versatile tractor in his garage with the help of his friend, Matt. It was on display for the first time at the Mankato Threshing Bee in 2020.

Ron was gregarious, he liked to make people smile, and he always had a joke to tell. He enjoyed sharing a coffee and a visit with friends, and he had a friend at every truck stop, elevator, co-op, and feedlot.

He loved Nascar races on Sundays (even attending two), Kawasaki rides, and poker runs with his wife, Julia.

Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Vernadine Hancock.

He is survived by his wife Julia Hancock; son Seth Wilson; daughters Maci Hancock, and Jessica Hancock; sister Doris Woerner (Arnold); nephews Buck Woerner and Wesley Woerner; great nephew Ethan Woerner; and numerous other family members and friends.

A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Esbon Community Church with Pastor Rod Rose officiating. Memorials may be made to the family with designation decided at a later date. They can be sent in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, KS 66956.