October 8, 1932 - September 5, 2020
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
15 replies on “Hanson Jr, Thomas Jacob”
John and I send our deepest sympathy. Tom was such a dear man.
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Betty, my heart goes out to you and all your family. Take comfort in knowing that Tom rests with his Lord and Savior in heaven forever. Blessings to you and love, Mary Appleton
Betty-I am thinking and praying for you and all of Tom’s family.
Love, Debby
Betty – So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Steve and Christine
Tom was an outstanding Sunday School leader. His wisdom insights,passion and, most of all, his sense of humor and infectious smile brightened the live of us that were fortunate to have known him. May God bless his soul.
In the mid 1980’s, I worked with Mr. Hanson at FTS Insurance. As a young banker, we promoted annuity products through our bank locations. Fun times and Mr. Hanson was always professional and supportive during those early days. Peace and God’s Blessings for the family.
Prayers for the family of Tom Hanson. He will be missed by many friends. I always enjoyed my visits with Tom when he came into my workplace. Rest in peace Tom.
Betty, Bill and I are so happy that we were privileged to get to know, love and respect Tom over the past few years. He was always engaging and such a good listener. Always the life of the party and you two were such gracious hosts!! A man of many virtues and interests! You could tell that he just loved people and getting to know them. I’ll bet he never met a stranger. What a legacy he left his family. I know he will live on in all of your hearts. We are grieving with you and sending prayers!!
Love Bill and Debby Allbright
Tom, thank you for everything. I will miss you.
I have known Tom since 1996. What a joy to have known him and Betty. Forgot he was a veteran from Korea, what a great individual! Thank Heavens we still have his Angel, Betty
Betty and family, My love and prayers are with you as you celebrate Tom’s life. Reading this obituary tells me that you shared your lives with a very special man. May God comfort you each day with the warmest of memories.
Tom was an outstanding gentleman with a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor. We enjoyed our occasional visits with Tom and Betty at Bent Tree Country Club. May he rest in eternal peace. With love and sympathy, Jack and Kathy Hermsen
RIP Tom. You were an outstanding mentor to many in the financial service industry. You motivated me and others to reach for the stars and to do it with integrity. Thank you for being you.
Tom was an exceptional human being and great friend who’s friendship, humor and kindness will be missed.