OBITUARY: William Thomas Hancock

William Thomas Hancock, 84, died on July 30 in St. Louis.

Bill was the son of the late Clara (Trammell) and Olen Craig Hancock of Stonefort. He was married to Barbara (Kozel) of Chicago. He and Barbara celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in May.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his son, James and daughter-in-law Susan Hancock of St. Louis; and by his daughter, Cynthia and son-in-law Michel Wakeland of Decatur. There are six grandchildren: Kerry Sherer (Adam), David Hancock (Jennifer), John Hancock (Melanie), Peter Hancock, Sarah Wakeland and Mark Hancock. Great-grandchildren are Russell, Henry, and Caleb Sherer and Lydia Hancock.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Olen Craig Hancock II; his uncle, Lynndon Hancock; and his aunt, Alice Barnes, both of Harrisburg.

After graduating from Southwest High School in St. Louis, Bill did his undergraduate work at Westminster College, Fulton, Mo. He received both a Bachelor of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Aurora, Ind., from 1954-60. He was pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church in St. Louis from 1960-1994. He was a member and served as Moderator of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy.

Bill was a leader in the movements for civil rights, women's rights and equality for other marginalized people. He was a faithful servant to his church, his congregation, and to all people who were touched by his strong leadership and faith in God. He was a moral and spiritual leader who had a positive and lasting impact upon the social fabric of North St. Louis County.

Bill was a private pilot; a builder and pilot of radio-controlled model airplanes; a wood craftsman who especially enjoyed making toys for his grandchildren; a boater and water skier; and a lover of jazz.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson, Mo., 401 Darst Road.