Robert E. Hanker, 89, of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, October  4, 2017 at  CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.  
  
He was born on June 30, 1928 to Earl and Sophia (Ricica) Hanker in Defiance. Robert served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and earned four Bronze Stars. Robert was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Defiance. He worked as a time keeper at General Motors for 37 years, retiring in 1988. Robert was a kind, gentle, and giving man, he dearly loved his family above all things, and cared about all animals. He enjoyed traveling and golfing, and is proud of his hole-in-one. He was a member of Defiance Eagles #372, Defiance VFW Post #3360, AMVETS, and American Legion Post #117.
  
Robert will be sadly missed by his daughters, Robin Hanker and Rita (Bill) Cordes, grandchildren, Holly (Doug) Bachelder and Matt (Megan) Cordes, great-grandchildren, Randon Goebel, Baylen Cordes, Ashlyn Cordes, and  Peyton Cordes. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sophia and Earl Hanker, brother Richard Hanker, and sister Lee Hanker Jones. 
  
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Vigil Service scheduled at 2:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 9, 2017 at St. John Catholic Church, with Fr. Eric Mueller officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memory Gardens, with graveside military rites accorded by VFW #3360.
  
Memorials are suggested to St John Catholic Church, Holy Cross Catholic School, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.