Michael "Mike" Bruce Hancock, age 82, of Newark, passed away at his home on Monday, February 5, 2024. He was born September 8, 1941, in Harrisburg, IL to the late Billie Martin Hancock and Lora Jo (Veach) Rude.

Mike graduated from Glen Burnie High School, Glen Burnie, MD, in 1960 and served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-1964. After his discharge, he pursued careers in farming, sales, and property management. In his retirement years, Mike dearly loved working with the Licking County Aging Program, delivering meals and visiting with community members. He enjoyed all types of hunting, was an avid reader and storyteller and had a passion for singing. He also loved spending time with his family, studying the Bible and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

He is survived by his children, Tracey (Mark) Keck, Erin (Jennifer) Roat, Jayne (David) Hall, Joni (Monty) Metoxen, Janine (Shannon) Wright, Denise Walls, and Bruce (Tammie) Hancock; brother, John (Barbara) Hancock; grandchildren, Julia, Emily, Cameron, Brielle, Ben, Shawn, Connor, Spencer, Shelby, Drew, Clay, Trey, Danielle, Blake, Trevor, and Tanner; 20 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his cherished wife of 33 years, Trudy (Dalrymple) Hancock; daughter, Renee Collins; sister, Karol Sue Hancock; brother Doug Collins; grandson, Ryan Collins.

Visitation will be held from 2-3pm Friday, February 16, 2024, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark, Ohio 43055. A 3pm memorial service with military honors presented by the Licking County Veterans Alliance will take place immediately following visitation, Pastor Wally McLaughlin officiating. A Celebration of Life reception for friends and family will follow at the Sharon Glyn Senior Apartments, 914 Sharon Valley Rd., Newark, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.