Howard Norman Hansen

Howard N. Hansen, 88, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania and a long-time resident of Theodore, Alabama went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. Howard was born on October 12, 1925 to Andrew and Ella Hansen. During Howard’s childhood, he lived in Illinois, Montana, Mississippi, Wisconsin and Alabama. Upon graduating from Theodore High School in 1943 and following in his father’s footsteps, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was a veteran of World War II, serving on the front lines in Germany. During his service, Howard had the opportunity to go to carpentry school in England. It was in Liverpool, England where he met and married Jean Buckley on April 15, 1946. Mr. Hansen received orders for returning to the states where he and Jean settled in Theodore, AL. Employed by GM&O Railroad for close to 40 years, Mr. Hansen retired and was able to enjoy taking trips with Jean and spending time with his family. They made several trips to England to visit Jean’s home. He enjoyed gardening and completing projects around their home. Howard and Jean have spent the last 68 loving years together building a home and family modeled after Jesus’ example of service to others. Howard was a member of Hollinger’s Island Baptist Church where he was a deacon and taught Sunday School for many years. Howard is survived by his wife, Jean; two children, Drew (Sharon) of Theodore, AL and Karen Nowlin (David) of Antioch, TN. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Andrew (Pompie) of Mobile, AL; Nancy Hale (Mackie) of Fayetteville, AR; Sally Cornelius (Scott) of Oxford, AL and Amy Gilley (Eric) of Murfreesboro, TN; and 7 great-grandchildren who brought him much joy. Howard’s sister, Ruth Wild, resides in Bradenton,FL, and his brother, Verner (Maurine), resides in Jefferson City, TN. He also leaves many other relatives, close friends, and a loving church family. A memorial service to commemorate his life and to celebrate his reunion with Jesus will be at Hollinger’s Island Baptist Church on Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hollinger’s Island Baptist Church.