Paul D. Hancock

Paul D. Hancock, 78, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at his home in Jackson.
He was born May 9, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Rhea A. and Eska Decker Hancock. He was raised in Fenton, Missouri and was a 1966 graduate of Lindbergh High School. After honorably serving in the U.S. Navy, he received a bachelor’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University in 1974. He later went on to serve in the Naval Reserve and the Missouri National Guard.
Paul’s teaching career began in Salem, Missouri. He soon transitioned to Jackson R2 Schools, teaching first grade in Pocahontas and the Primary Annex; sixth grade at Burfordville and the Middle School; and seventh grade Social Studies at the Middle School, retiring in 2005.
On June 29, 1996, Paul and Cathy Carron Smith were married at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson. Their blended family included Paul’s sons, Doug and Andy, and Cathy’s daughters, Kelly and Carmen.
Paul enjoyed being outdoors. He was a leader of Boy Scout Troop 311 in Jackson and chaperoned two trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. His memberships included New McKendree United Methodist Church; Jackson Jaycees; and the Community Teachers Association, serving terms as president in both organizations. In recent years, he enjoyed helping his son, Andy, at the Gordonville Grill.
To cherish his memory, Paul leaves his wife of nearly 30 years, Cathy Hancock of Jackson; a son, Andy Hancock (Savannah Sapp) of Jackson; Cathy’s daughters, Kelly Smith of Cape Girardeau, and Carmen Smith of Jackson; grandchildren, Aubrey, Addison, Henry, and Clara; and two sisters, Charlotte Hill of Kansas City, Missouri, and Rita (Paul) Turner of Perryville, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by a son, Doug Hancock; and his parents, Rhea and Eska Decker Hancock.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. The Rev. Charles Buck will conduct a life celebration service at 6 p.m., Friday, May 29, at the funeral home.
Paul was privately interred at Old Goshen Cemetery near Oak Ridge.
If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests Boy Scout Troop 311 or Old Goshen Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by scrolling to the guestbook beneath Paul’s obituary article at mccombsfuneralhome.com.