Hanson Jr, Thomas Jacob

Thomas “Tom” Jacob Hanson, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 5, 2020. Born October, 8 1932 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Clara Lucile Englebert Hanson

and Thomas Jacob Hanson, Sr.

Tom grew up with his brother, James “Eugene” Hanson, in Lake Charles and Alexandra, Louisiana moving to Beaumont, Texas where he graduated from French High School in 1948.  His dear grandparents, Mary Lena Calahan Hanson and John Philip Hanson of Lake Charles helped raise Tom and greatly influenced his life.

He attended McNeese State College in 1956 graduating with a B.S. degree, after proudly serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After graduating from college Tom started his career in the insurance industry. He first worked for Union Life Insurance followed by a long and successful career with Southwestern Life Insurance Company.  Tom established FTS Life Insurance Agency in 1985 serving as owner and President until his retirement in 2017.

Dear friend, Shelly Smith stated that Tom’s best attribute was helping others to attain success. Through his encouragement, knowledge, and integrity Tom gave those who worked with him the tools to succeed. Tom loved the Lord and served actively in ministries in El Paso and Dallas.  He was proud to be one of the founding members of St. Andrew United Methodist Church of

Plano, Texas serving as the first adult Sunday school teacher for the “Christian Living” class for 23 years.  Throughout his lifetime Tom continued to promote, support and work for his church.  Reverend Robert Hasley honored Tom by saying, “He was a Saint of Saint Andrew Methodist Church.” Tom was a long time member of Bent Tree Country Club where he enjoyed meeting and dining with friends and family.  He was proud to be a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity serving as President.  Tom enjoyed travel, golf, and any opportunity to be on an ocean or a lake. Tom was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Betty.

Children:           Phil Hanson and wife Kellie of the Woodlands, Texas

Greg Hanson and wife Diane of Flower Mound, Texas

Scott Hanson and wife Joanne of Lake Quivira, Kansas

Amie Parsons and Husband Brandon of Dripping Springs, Texas

Step-son:           Alan Shields and wife Jessica of Sammamish, Washington

Step-daughter: Meridith Brewer and husband Todd of Dallas, Texas

Ashley Sanford and husband Mark of Denver, Colorado

Grandchildren:

John Hanson and wife Jacque of Flower Mound, Texas,

Adam Hanson of Chicago, Illinois

Scott Hanson of Kansas City, Missouri

Elizabeth Ryan and husband Travis of Lee’s Summit, Missouri

John Hanson and wife Cyndi of Lenexa, Kansas

Mary Hanson of Shawnee, Kansas

Catherine Hanson of Gardner, Kansas

Joseph Hanson of Kansas City, Missouri

Nick Hanson of The Woodlands, Texas.

Joseph Parsons of Dripping Springs, Texas

Addie Parsons of Dripping Springs, Texas.

Step-grandchildren:

Emily, Will, and Henry Shields of Sammamish, Washington;

Harrison and Preston Brewer of Dallas, Texas;

Hudson Sanford of Denver, Colorado

Great grandchildren:

Luke and Oliver Hanson of Flower Mound, Texas

Olivia and Eli Ryan of Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Maggie Hanson of Lenexa, Kansas.

Celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, September 12 at St Andrew United Methodist Church of Plano, Texas at 2 PM.  Masks and social distancing will be required.  Live streaming will also be available on the church website www.standrewumc.org

In Liu of flowers, please consider memorials in Tom’s name to St. Andrew United Methodist church of Plano, Texas.

Arrangements under the direction of:

Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston Road

Dallas, Texas 75252

(214) 306-6700