Carol Hanes, age 81, a devoted teacher, minister’s wife, and cherished matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026. She leaves behind a profound legacy of faith, education, and love.

She was born on October 23, 1944, in Guymon, Oklahoma. Carol grew up in Keyes, Oklahoma, where her bright mind and dedication were evident early on. She proudly graduated as the Valedictorian of the Keyes High School Class of 1962.

On November 17, 1962, Carol married the love of her life and her "favorite husband" of 57 years, Roben S. Hanes, a local farmer's son. Their early marriage was a beautiful adventure of building a family and serving others. They started their journey in a mobile home next to Roben’s parents' farm, later moving into a travel trailer in Keyes when their first son, Alan, was born in 1963.

As Roben pursued his ministry, Carol stood steadfastly by his side. They moved to Lubbock, Texas, while Roben attended the Sunset School of Preaching, and later relocated to his first ministerial appointment at the Follett Church of Christ. It was during their time in Follett that they welcomed their second son, Randy, in 1968.

The family’s next chapter took them to Groom, Texas, where Carol’s lifelong passion for nurturing children truly blossomed. While Roben ministered to the Groom Church of Christ, Carol opened her very first daycare and pre-school. Her capacity to love only grew as they adopted their 12-year-old daughter, Margo, and opened their hearts and home to a foster son, Robert (Bob) Rozell.

In 1972, the family moved to Eden, Texas. Driven by her desire to impact young minds, Carol attended Angelo State University to earn her teaching degree—all while raising her busy household and celebrating the birth of her first grandchild, Julie, in 1977.

In 1978, the Hanes family settled in Red Oak, Texas, where they bought the very first house they ever owned. This home became the bedrock for a beautifully expanding family that would grow to include 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Carol began her official career as an educator for the Red Oak Independent School District, where she served faithfully for well over three decades. She found her true calling in the Early Childhood Department, dedicating her days to serving and advocating for children with special needs. Her patience, warmth, and gentle guidance shaped generations of children in the Red Oak community.

Beyond the classroom, Carol lived a vibrant life of faith and creativity. Her service to God was woven into everything she did. She spent decades as a Sunday School teacher, Bible Camp counselor, and Christian mentor. A woman of deep expression, Carol was also a talented poet and songwriter, using her gifts to uplift everyone around her.

Carol brought color and humor to the world—often wrapped in her favorite color, purple, and accompanied by her sharp wit and famous teasing about who her "favorite" child or grandchild was (though daughter Margo always claimed the title with a smile). Her life was a testament to selfless service, unconditional love, and a joyful spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roben Hanes; her parents, James Franklin Livingston and Eunice Claire Hendershot; her brothers, Jack Livingston and Ted Livingston; and her son, Bob Rozell.

She is survived by her loving children: son Alan Hanes and his wife, Cheri; son Randy Hanes; daughter Margo Hanes Manzi; and daughter-in-law, Patricia Rozell. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Nicole Hanes, Cristen Hanes, Erin Hanes, Kaylin Klein, Ambrin Hanes, Sean Hanes, Marin Hanes, Tristin Hanes, Julie Gray, Caitlyn Ellison, and Ross Rozell; and 7 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Byrum Funeral Home. A Celebration of Carol’s Life will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Byrum Funeral Home Chapel. A Graveside Service will follow on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Willowbar Cemetery in Keyes, Oklahoma.