Vernon Edward Hancock entered Heavens Gates on Monday, December 16, 2024, at his home surrounded by family at the age of 88 years.  He was born on July 1, 1936, in Easterly, Texas to parents, William Richard Hancock and Gladys Aline Starkey Hancock.

Edward was a 1953 graduate of Franklin High School and married his wife of 67 years, Dawna Rita McCoslin on August 22, 1957, in Mexia, Texas.  Edward was self-employed and owned and operated several different businesses through the years.  He owned the Cut-Rate Grocery Stores in Hearne, Franklin, Calvert, and Cameron and later established the Franklin Furniture Store.  Edward was also a cattle rancher. He and Dawna had made their home in Franklin for the past 31 years after previously living in Hearne. Edward attended Southside Baptist Church in Franklin, Texas.

He loved gospel music, being a cattle rancher and was a life-long sports fan and devoted supporter of the New York Yankees, Texas A&M Aggies, and the Franklin Lions for over 75+ years.  But he found the most happiness in his love of Jesus and his family.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents, William and Gladys Hancock, brother, Billy Gene Hancock and sister-in-law, Marvis Hancock.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Dawna Hancock of Franklin, daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Michael Bye of Lake Limestone, Sharla and Gerald Broussard of Seguin, and son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Laura Hancock of College Station.  He also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Suzy Hancock of Denton.  He is survived by his grandchildren: Jacob (Katie) Bye, Bradley (Stephanie) Broussard, Jessica (Jake) Morton, Amanda (Jess) Roberts, Sarah (Brendan) Woodcock and William Hancock and his great grandchildren: Paisley Pustka, Harper Roberts, Rowen Morton, Ren Roberts, Stetson Broussard, Laiklyn Broussard, Makenna Morton, Walker Broussard, Hadley Bye and Eleanor Jane (expected May 2025).

Pallbearers for the service include his grandsons and husbands of his granddaughters: Jacob Bye, Bradley Broussard, William Hancock, Jake Morton, Jess Roberts, and Brendan Woodcock.  Honorary Pallbearers, who were close friends, include: Thomas (Bubba) Phillips, William Wideman, John Burke, and Steve Johnson.

Services will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at McCauley Funeral Home Chapel in Franklin. Brother Richard Lintelman of Southside Baptist Church will officiate.  A burial will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.  A visitation will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at McCauley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southside Baptist Church P.O. Box 736 Franklin, Texas 77856 or to the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Association P.O. Box 184 New Baden, Texas 77870.