Thomas Alan Hancock, 70, of Scenic, South Dakota, passed away suddenly on December 17, 2025, at the family’s ranch near Scenic. Born on October 2, 1955, in Burlington, Wisconsin, he was the son of R. Dean and Margaret Hancock.

Tom attended Ohio Wesleyan University for his undergraduate studies and later went on to earn a Master in Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1984. After working in a variety of educational and artistic roles in several locations, he finally served as an art teacher at Douglas Middle School in Box Elder, South Dakota, beginning in 1999 and retiring in 2023.

Tom found great joy in spending time with his family, creating art, and raising registered American Quarter Horses on a small ranch. He was known as a talented artist and a dedicated teacher, but even more so for his gentle, down-to-earth spirit and loving nature. Tom’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his kindness, selflessness, creativity, and humor. He had the natural ability to make others feel at ease and was always ready with a witty remark or playful joke to bring smiles and laughter to those around him. His encouragement, patience, genuine care, and desire to help others left a lasting impression on his students, friends, and family.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Maxon; his daughter, Reva Hancock; his mother, Margaret Hancock; his brothers, Timothy Hancock (Luciana) and Andrew Hancock (Mary Ann); and niece, Emily Patti. He was preceded in death by his father, R. Dean Hancock.