Edward Michael Hankel Sr., a retired Navy Master Chief, died Dec. 21, 1998, of brain cancer at Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, Miss. He Was 55. Mr. Hankel was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, where he graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School.

Survivors include his wife, Diane C. Hankel; a son, Edward Michael Hankel, Jr.; a daughter, Desiree Marie Hankel; a brother, Harry M. Baldo Sr.; and three grandchildren. A mass was said Dec. 23 at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home. Burial was private.