Timothy "Timmy" A. Hanks

M.A., M.Div., LCPC/LPC-Supervisor, D. Min. candidate.

Timothy “Timmy” Allan Hanks, age 68, entered into the presence of the Lord on Friday, April 24th, 2026. He was born on April 4th, 1958, as the beloved and only son of Rex L. and Waltraud I. Hanks.

He had many accomplishments throughout his life where he made a true & lasting impact. Timmy was the Pastor of Counseling Ministry & Supervisor Clinical Internships at Calvary Community Church for nearly 20 years. Earlier in his career, he was employed by the Chicago Fire Department as Paramedic and Paramedic Officer for over 30 years. During that time, he also worked for the Illinois Masonic Medical Center as an Emergency Room Paramedic. He also served as Strategy Coach/ Counselor for Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., Chicago, IL for 16 years. In his work with the government, Timmy served as a Chaplain/Behavioral Health Specialist for NDMS-USA DMORT (Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team) Region 5. Prior to that he served on one of the NDMS Mental Health Specialty teams until they were disbanded. He deployed to the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 for his first deployment with NDMS, in 2001 to the 9/11 World Trade Center, 2005 Hurricane Katrina, 2020 New York City Covid 19 response, and most recently in 2024 to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene response. He also spoke at several training sessions for his team and the entire NDMS behavioral health professionals, regarding mental health and stress issues responders can face.

While Timmy had his formal credentialing as a licensed Clinical Counselor and Supervisor, he preferred to serve faithfully for the past nearly 20 years as Pastor Timmy. He spent his life shepherding the counseling ministries at Calvary Community Church, where he tended to hearts and lives daily. Timmy loved people well and daily demonstrated his desire to help people live the power of God’s Word in their everyday lives. He was always jumping into the trenches to point people upward and out. He was the keeper of stories, pointed people to Jesus, walked alongside, taught people to ’sail’ and helped them to understand the direction of the ‘wind’ and how to let it move them to God’s desired haven for their lives. He was a true shepherd of souls. His full retirement only came by his ascension into heaven.

He taught us all how to sail, didn't he? In one way or another. ~ And now Timmy has sailed on to The LORD. On April 24th, 2026, our Father in Heaven began Timmy’s flight to Heaven in a helo, traveling with angels. He made a safe landing but was swept to Heaven soon after by ministering spirits. He is irreplaceable and the loss is deep and hard to grasp. But God - in His kindness, has taken his burden and He gave my brother the keys to his new mansion on the shores of the eternal waters in Heaven. Jesus met my sweet brother at the waters edge and welcomed him home at last. He heard the 'voice of many waters' saying, 'well done, thou good and faithful servant, come enter into the joy of your Lord! ~ Selah.

Outside of ministry, Timmy cherished his two sisters. He loved the incredible scuba diving, movies, and new adventures with his dear sister Susie, and the sweet family times, games, and traveling with his dear sister Debbi and brother-in-law, Craig Pape and their family. He adored his treasured nephew Braydon (Abby), 3 precious nieces, Heidi (Cade), Annika, Elliana, his adorable grand-niece and 2 cutie-pie grand-nephews. Timmy was the BEST brother, uncle and great uncle there ever was. Timmy enjoyed anything by the shore, in and under the sea, sailing, scuba diving, coming alongside, sushi, art, music, and nature. He made things festively abundantly yippee for everyone! ~ Most of all, he loved well, taught people to sail in their own way, and served His LORD and Savior until 2:48 p.m., April 24th, 2026. ~ Selah.

Timmy is survived by his two sisters, Susie Hanks and Debbi (Craig) Pape. He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother.

He was a tremendous teammate - respected and loved by his colleagues. His words before his last training were; “If I can minister to my team, I will be there.” ~ And he was.

We will never forget the treasure of YOU. Rejoice with Jesus, your wise & loving Counselor, Savior, Prince of Peace, and KING. ~ Selah.

~ Psalm 119:105 ~

Your Word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path.

Memorials are greatly appreciated, and preferably made directly to the family.