Donald “Don” James Hansen 1924-2021 Obituary
Donald “Don” James Hansen, 96, passed away on Jan. 20, at West Virginia Hospice Caring Center in Elkins.
He was born Aug. 28, 1924, in Bratenahl, Ohio, the son of George and Margaret (McCann) Hansen.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; two sons, David James Hansen and wife, Janet, of Topsail Beach, North Carolina, and Christopher Donald Hansen, of Johnson City, Tennessee; two daughters, Andrea Ford and husband, Edward, of Beverly, and Linda Hansen, of Elkins; four grandsons, Eric Hansen, Matthew Hansen, Elliott Sipe and wife, Bridgett, and Brian Sipe; granddaughter, Rebekah Ford, of Guernsey, England; great-grandchildren, Caysen Hansen and Liam Hansen; niece, Nina Hansen; nephews, Robert McCann and wife, Karen, James Trunk and wife, Catalina; a special family member, Mary Lou Fajman; and special friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one brother, Allen Hansen; one sister-in-law, Marialice (Ainsworth) Hansen; one grandson, Patrick Hansen; one niece Kitty Jean Hansen; one nephew, David Allen Hansen; and other family members.
Don graduated from Shaw High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a Purple Heart Veteran. After the war, he entered John Carroll University and in 1950 he graduated with a degree in chemistry.
He was employed by the Sherwin Williams Company for 27 years. He was an industrial paint salesman in Cleveland, Ohio, prior to his move to Elkins with his wife and children in 1961. He was the manager of the local Sherwin-williams store. Due to his endeavors, Sherwin-williams Company paint finishes were used on a giant radio-telescope at Green Bank Observatory at Green Bank; laboratory furniture made by Metalab-labcraft at Beverly, and children’s furniture and home decor made by Masketeers at Belington. He retired from Sherwin-williams in 1977.
In 1978, he was employed by the State of West Virginia Department of Health. After completing qualification training he was appointed Randolph County sanitarian. His position was based at the Randolph County Health Department. At that time, and for many years, he was the only sanitarian in Randolph County. He was fair and just in following the rules of the state as they applied to public health and sanitation. He retired in 2000, after 22 years of service.
Don was Catholic and attended St. Brendan Church. He was a member of the Elks Country Club for over 50 years. He was an avid golfer and played more than 4,000 rounds of golf during that time. He was Club Champion in 1978.
Don was a retired Rotarian, a leader in United Way fundraising and volunteered in many projects and activities in the community.
Don loved his wife, family and nature. He especially enjoyed watching the sky and cloud formations. Other hobbies included playing bridge, reading, watching sports and western movies on the television and solving crossword puzzles.
It was his wish that his remains be donated to The Human Gift Registry at West Virginia University Medical Center.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Junior Golf Association, Elks County Club, 1130 Country Club Road, Elkins, WV 26241 or WV Caring Hospice Center, 169 Diamond St., Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Don.
A very special thank you is extended to Fr. James O’ Connor and Deacon Raymond Godwin of St. Brendan Church for their support, as well as Garrett Butler M.D. and the staff of the West Virginia Caring Hospice Center for the loving care provided to Don.
This announcement is provided by Tomblyn Funeral Home, www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.
Donald “Don” James Hansen 1924-2021 Obituary
