Elmer Lester Hann, affectionately known to many as “Les” or “Lester,” passed away May 26, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and tireless devotion to family and community. He was born on September 25, 1932, in Long Beach, California, to Miles, 24, and Lola Hann, 21, and grew up learning the value of hard work and service to others.
Elmer spent his early years in Banning and Garden Grove, attending local elementary schools before graduating from Garden Grove High School in 1950. During his youth, he helped on the family farm, delivering eggs and milk. He would also sleep in the orchards to light the smudge pots when there was a potential of freezing at night—humble beginnings that shaped a strong and enduring work ethic. He went on to study drafting at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and later earned his Real Estate License from Orange Coast College.
On July 15, 1951, Elmer married the love of his life, Olive June Dunn, at Alamitos Friends Church in Garden Grove. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children—two sons and two daughters—over the course of 13 joyful and busy years. His unwavering love and commitment to Olive were an example to all who knew them, and their partnership was a living testimony of what a strong, godly marriage can be.
Elmer’s professional life was marked by perseverance and versatility. He began his career at Douglas Aviation as a riveter before finding his calling as a letter carrier at the Garden Grove Post Office—a role he held for decades. Never one to be idle, he held multiple jobs simultaneously: night custodian for the Garden Grove Unified School District, early morning newspaper delivery, real estate agent for both Hann Realty and Magnolia Realty, and cleaner of a local medical center—a job the whole family eventually took part in. After retiring from the Post Office, Elmer joined his son Darryl at D.L. Hann Construction, proving that his drive to work and serve never waned.
Elmer loved deeply and lived fully. He was a man of faith who, with his beloved Olive, was a prayer warrior for their family and others. His life was defined by humility, kindness, humor, and godliness. He was the quiet strength in the bleachers at countless games, the steady hand behind every camping trip and family adventure, and the loving father who led by example.
An athlete in his youth, Elmer played football and lettered in track and field, excelling in discus and earning many medals. He later competed in fast-pitch softball and embraced tennis with his family—especially proud of his youngest daughter’s skills. He was a member of the now-defunct Disneyland Tennis Club and once scored a hole-in-one at the Disneyland Golf Course. He also enjoyed swimming, water polo, camping, traveling, backpacking in the Sierra and San Bernardino Mountains, and was an accomplished water skier—learning to slalom and dock start in a single weekend.
A man of many talents, Elmer also enjoyed wood scroll work and was an avid reader. He had a soft spot for animals and throughout the years cared for a wide variety of pets, including dogs, birds, and more.
In the words of those who knew and loved him, Elmer could be best described as a peacemaker, godly, humorous, and kind. He touched countless lives with his quiet strength, his unwavering love for his family, and his deep devotion to God.
Elmer was preceded in death by his daughter, Diana (Hann) Frelly; his father, Miles Hann and his mother, Lola Hann; his brother, Richard Hann; and his grandson, Jeffrey Hann.
Elmer Lester Hann leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith that will continue to inspire generations to come. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
