Donald “Don” Gene Hanna, 92, of Beaufort, SC, passed away on July 15, 2015, surrounded by family “just like he liked it”. Don was born May 15, 1923, in Stapleton, Nebraska, where he lived until age 15 when he moved with his family to Venice, California. Don joined the Navy during World War II, which brought him to Beaufort where he was one of the first 27 men stationed at the newly commissioned Naval Air Station. He later served in Guam until the end of the War. Don returned to Beaufort for the love of his life, Jane, marrying her on January 7, 1946. Don graduated from The Citadel in 1950. His passion was the game of tennis, which he played competitively at the Citadel and locally. He also took great pleasure in outdoor life, and in his later years, dedicated himself to building a home on Judge Island where he and Jane moved in 1997. When not playing tennis, telling jokes with a twinkle in his eye or twirling girls on the dance floor, Don believed there was nothing better than a hard day’s work and worked until the end. Don was predeceased by his parents, four sisters and three brothers. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jane Attaway Hanna, Beaufort, SC; younger brother, Richard Hanna (Gini), Danville, CA; three daughters: Nancy Day (John), San Diego, CA, Betsy Jackson (David), St. George, SC, and Laurie Hanna Jones, Beaufort, SC; five grandchildren: Audrey Taylor (Sam Kunz), Knoxville, TN, Erin Marvin (Anderson), Huntersville, NC, Cameron McNeill (Lisa), Martinsburg, WV; Allison Day, Oakland, CA, and Tyler Day, Los Angeles, CA; five great grandchildren: Ailey and Conor Kunz, Keira, Declan and Hanna McNeill; and many nieces and nephews. The family gives a special thanks to his many caregivers who treated him so lovingly. The family will receive friends 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 17th at Copeland Funeral Service. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 18th at Copeland Funeral Service Chapel. He will be buried in The Parish Church of St. Helena Cemetery. Please share your stories about Don by visiting www.copelandfuneralservice.com Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Hanna family.
Posted in: The Island Packet
Posted on: 2015-07-17
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/islandpacket/obituary.aspx?n=donald-gene-hanna&pid=175305977&fhid=28593#sthash.hCcQ9CCN.dpuf