William Francis Hanna

William “Bill” Francis Hanna of Leesburg, Virginia, passed peacefully on August 29, 2026, with his beloved wife Vivian at his side. Born in Chicago, raised in Terre Haute, Indiana, and residing in Colorado and Virginia for most of his career, Bill was an avid scientist and mathematician. He was at home outdoors, whether searching for fossils and minerals, playing tennis or enjoying long walks, especially along the seashore in Ocean City, Md. and the Outer Banks. He was constantly learning and teaching, and had a unique way of making people feel heard by taking great interest in conservations about wide-ranging topics. He gave freely of his time, knowledge and love, and never asked for anything in return. Bill will always be remembered for his humility, humor and kind and caring soul.

Bill began his college studies at Indiana Teachers College (now Indiana State University) in Terre Haute. After one year, he transferred to Indiana University in Bloomington where he earned his Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees in Geophysics. He then began his career teaching at Stanford University, before devoting his professional life to academia, research and science at the United States Geological Survey, beginning in the Menlo Park office, before achieving the status of Chief, Branch of Geophysics of the Denver, Co. office, and Deputy Office Chief of Geochemistry and Geophysics of the Reston, Va. office. Along the way, Bill published numerous Research and Professional Papers and co-authored a college textbook with his brother Bud Hanna.

Upon retiring from his distinguished career as a Federal Civilian Servant, Bill performed scientific research and magnetic mapping with the Smithsonian Institution and various local law enforcement agencies.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and sibling, whose hobbies included sports, birding, rock collecting and genealogy, and was known for preparing extensive historical research for family and friends.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Owen Hanna and Doris Hanna, and his sister Carol Sue Edmonds. He is survived by his wife Vivian and stepsons James E. Spedden, Jr. and Kenneth A. Spedden; daughter-in laws Jennifer Spedden and Katerina Spedden; grandchildren Jenna S. Spedden, Jamie C. Spedden, Connor W. Spedden and Colten K. Spedden; siblings Owen “Bud” Hanna and Margaret “Peggy” Stephens, and other cherished family members.

An online Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, September 13th at 2:00 EST. The livestream link can be accessed by pressing the "Play" button under scheduled services or by using this link https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c2609354980395