Roy H. Hanson

Westville - Roy Henry Hanson, 84, died 5:45pm, November 13, 2009 at Colonial Manor in Danville. Roy was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Martha Hanson (Shannon). Left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory are: his son, Craig Hanson, and his wife, Nancy Hanson (DeBarba); his son, Keith Hanson, and his wife, Ronamae Hanson (Chiong); three grandchildren, (Craig and Nancy) Matthew Hanson, Jennifer Bliska (Hanson) and Drew Hanson; and a new grandchild due to be born to Keith and Ronamae in January. Born and raised in Westville, the son of Edwin and Agnes (Cayez) Hanson, he was a lifelong resident of Westville. After graduating from Westville High School, Roy entered military service in the Blackhawk 86th Infantry Division, Headquarters Company, Third Battalion 341st Infantry Regiment of the US Army and served in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operations, serving in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Germany and the Philippines. Roy received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Germany during 1945 while under enemy artillery fire. After returning from military service, he worked for the WITY radio station in Danville and the Sunbeam Company before joining the General Electric Company for whom he worked for 33 years until his retirement in 1980. He met his wife, Martha Hanson (Shannon), in 1942 while both attended Westville High School and they were married in 1947 at the then First Congregational Church in Westville. Roy had a passion for amateur radio obtaining his radio operators license when he was a teenager and making friends via radio with other radio amateurs from many countries around the world. He established radio contact with foreign radio operators in more than 100 countries during his lifetime. Roy also enjoyed travel greatly and traveled extensively with his wife Martha throughout the United States and more than 20 countries including most countries in Europe and many countries in Asia. A celebration of Roys life will be held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel in Westville with visitation 12:00-2:00pm prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Georgetown Cemetery with Military rites conducted by American Legion Post #51. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Roys name to either CRIS or Wounded Warriors.