Robert "Wade" Hancock

Robert “Wade” Hancock, 74, of Benton, departed this life on March 17, 2023, at his home.

He was born on August 31, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Robert and Maxine Nogel Hancock, Sr.  In his early years of life, Wade resided in Apopka, Florida where he graduated high school and later graduated from military school.  He went on to earn a Master Degree in Criminal Justice from Rollins College in Orlando, Florida.

Throughout life, he was an accomplished and decorated police officer, later serving as Chief of Police in Winter Garden and Oviedo, Florida.  He then moved to work undercover in drug enforcement as the D.E.A, served as a Captain in the Army National Guard, was a jungle warfare expert in Panama, firearm instructor, and survived many health issues, accidents, and dangerous situations.  Wade always credited the Lord for his protection and was an avid pet lover, having had horses and dogs, and enjoyed spending time in the woods and playing a professional Santa Claus.  Yvonne, whom he called the love of his life, were married for 15 years.  His stepsons, Christian and Jeff Hunter loved him dearly along with his longtime friends and extended family and will be deeply missed.

“Don’t cry much for me – you know where I’m going, and I’ll see you when you get here.”

Left to cherish the many memories include his beloved wife, Yvonne Butcher Hancock; cherished stepsons, Christian Hunter and Jeff Hunter; one brother Dale (Terry) Hancock; best friends, Jim Brown and Steve Purvis.

No services will be held at this time.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.