Homer Willis Hanson

Homer Willis Hanson 1924 -2013

Homer Willis Hanson, 89, of Bountiful, Utah, passed away on August 28, 2013 of natural causes surrounded by his loving family. Our dear father, grandfather, and husband, will be missed. Homer was born in Billings, Montana on February 25, 1924 to Hazel Loretta Marcelle and Linn Ford Hanson.

He was raised in Gibson, Montana on their wheat and cattle ranch. He loved life on the ranch. There he learned how to fix anything and solve all problems. He was independent and optimistic throughout his life. He graduated from Billings High School in 1942. He served in the United States Army in World War II, 1943-1946 on the European front, serving in Troop "D" 88th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron 8th Armor Division. He attended Montana State University, graduating in Agricultural Economics, June 6, 1950. After graduation he moved to Salt Lake City working in insurance and real estate. He was a broker-member of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors for many years. He operated several companies including Tri-State Realty.

He met and married Beth Pauline Jewkes, on August 4, 1951. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 11, 1960. Homer and Beth were sealed for Eternity, with their children in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 1, 1965. They have been married 62 years. He often said: "If I had asked the Lord for the children and wife I wanted, I couldn''t have done better than the children and wife I have."

He served in various church callings and enjoyed being a home teacher. His greatest gift was supporting and encouraging his family to do what was right including going to church and getting a good education. He always had time to do things with his children as they grew helping them with school projects, listening to them in school programs and church events. Nothing was impossible in his eyes. He would figure out a way to accomplish challenges he faced. His family was the most important part of his life. He loved associating with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will all miss his sense of humor.

He enjoyed being out on the land and in nature. He taught his children how to ski and hike, fix and organize things, make and eat lots of popcorn.

Homer is survived by his wife, Beth, brother, James Hanson; children John Ellery Hanson (Kathleen), Katherine Wallin (Richard), Diana Ogden (Charles), Elizabeth Crowther (Scott), Jacqueline Wright (Darin), and Jennifer Ostler (James); 36 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ileana E. Anderson; brother, Edward D. Hanson.

We thank and appreciate the doctors, nurses, dentists and staff at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Administration Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have given him excellent and loving care through the years. Also a special thanks to daughter Jennifer and her family for the years of care she has given him in his own home where he wanted to stay.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the Sterling Heights Ward, 191 West Monarch Drive, Bountiful, Utah. Family and friends are welcome Friday evening, September 6, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Lindquist Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 am at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Henefer City Cemetery.