Phillips Alton Hanson

Born on March 9, 1941 to Hazel Oma and Hugh Desmul Hanson in Sulphur Springs, Texas, Phil graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1959, where he was Student Body President and member of the National Honor Society. In 1963, he graduated from Austin College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Certified as a meteorologist through a program at St. Louis University, he later earned a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University.

In 1965, Phil married Nancy Hyatt. They had the joy of raising two beautiful children. Phil was a devoted father who held the well-being of their children close to his heart and as his highest priority in life decisions.

Phil was a member of the United States Air Force where he worked as a meteorologist in the Air Weather Service. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, Phil served with distinction as a detachment commander and finished his 21 years of service as an Operations Officer and subsequent Executive Officer with Air Force Global Weather Central. At Offutt AFB, Nebraska, he was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal awarded for outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement. Upon retirement, Phil’s work life included leadership of the ROTC program at Bellevue West High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and after a move to Cheyenne, Wyoming, office management for H&R Block tax services.

In 2006, Phil married Martha Gee Maddox, his high school sweetheart, and moved to Sugar Land, Texas. The ensuing years were filled with volunteer efforts that included commitment to East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, tax preparation for AARP, and serving as a night greeter at Missouri City United Methodist Church. Phil and Martha enjoyed hours in national parks absorbing nature’s magnificence and relished planning summer family outings in New Braunfels for their children and grandchildren.

Family members mourning Phil’s death include his wife, Martha Hanson; his children Mark Hanson and wife, Amphai, Wendy Kennedy and husband, Vance; step-children Stephen Maddox and wife, Amy, John Maddox and wife, Anna; and treasured family friend, Rebecca Hamblin. His adored grandchildren include Dylan Kennedy, Chloe Kennedy, Jackson Maddox, Mary Wesley Maddox, Bennett Maddox, Alex Maddox, Mason Maddox, Bella Nocera, and Max Nocera. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Carole, and husband Charles Gillespie.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Eagle’s Trace Bayou Vista and The Care Team hospice personal who wrapped Phil in sensitive, compassionate care through his final days of life.

Donations may be made to East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, or the Alzheimer’s Association.