Charles Richard Hanson

Charles Richard "Chuck" Hanson died late Sunday morning, September 6, 2015 at his home in Show Low, Arizona. He was 70 years old. Chuck was born on February 28, 1945 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois to his parents, the late Charles Raymond and Grace Edith (Freid) Hanson. Chuck married his forever sweetheart, Gail Marie Woodward, on February 6, 1970 in Aiea Heights, Hawaii and have been happily married for more than 45 years. He was a man who found his greatest joys within the walls of his own home, spending time with his family. He loved them all so very much and they, in turn, loved him right back. Indeed, he considered himself blessed man by being a part of such a beautiful family. Chuck was a man who honored his country by serving in the United States Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant. During his military career, a tour of duty took him to Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War. During his honorable service, he was Chief of Standardization for the First M.A.S. With his military career, he traveled extensively, with his family, around the world a couple of times. After 23 years of faithful and dedicated service to his country, he retired in 1984, receiving his honorable discharge from active service. Following his military retirement, he moved to Arizona and began another long career working for the United States Postal Service at Chandler's Main Post Office. In 2005, after 20 years with the post office, he was able to retire again and enjoy the remainder of his years traveling between his homes in Gilbert, Mesa and Show Low. He made friends wherever he went and was a great neighbor wherever he lived. Chuck will forever be known for his kindness, his compassion and his concern to his fellow man. The hours he spent in the service of others are countless and his life was enriched greatly by his selfless acts. In his younger years, Chuck was an avid bowler and played on many Air Force teams at various air force bases throughout the world. He also was an excellent baseball player and was able to play for Air Force teams throughout his military career. As a true Chicagoan, Chuck was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and, literally, grew up just a few blocks from Wrigley Field. He hoped, every year, would be "The Year" for the Cubs! He will be truly missed by everyone whom has had the privilege to call him friend but, none will miss him more than his own family. He is survived by his wife, Gail M. Hanson of Show Low and Gilbert, Arizona; son, Christopher (Paige) Hanson of Chandler, Arizona; sister, Patricia (Karl) Lonask of Woodridge, Illinois; brother, Ronald (Laurie) Hanson of Naperville, Illinois and is also survived by nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Along with his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his sister, Sherri Deeds. A special memorial service for Chuck will begin 3:00 P.M., Friday, September 11, 2015 at Light in the Desert Baptist Church, 7930 E. Baseline Road in Mesa, Arizona. His family is thankful for the expressions of sympathy they have received during this difficult season and are especially grateful for all of the prayers offered up in their behalf. Memorial contributions, in his name, to the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) have been suggested by his family.