HALLOWELL – Herbert L. Hanson, 80, of Walnut Drive, died Friday, March 25, 2005, at Maine-General Medical Center, Augusta. He was born March 6, 1925, in North Weymouth, Mass. the son of Ludwig and Helga (Nilsson) Hanson. A graduate of Bridgewater High School, Class of 1942, he enlisted the following April as a cadet in the Army Air Force. He received his training at the following fields; Nashville, Tenn.; Maxwell Field, Ala.; Bush Field, August, Ga. and Spence Field, Ga. He was awarded his silver wings and appointed second lieutenant Jan. 7, 1944, at Spence Field, Ga. and received advanced training at Dale Moultrie Field, Tallahassee Fla., and was awarded a war bond for most physically fit cadet in U.S.A. He served as a P-47 fighter pilot in the 125th Air Force based In Italy. He flew 83 combat missions and took part in flights over Africa, Italy, Corsica and France. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal, a campaign ribbon and several clusters and stars. On March 25, 1945, he was shot down behind enemy lines. After two weeks with the Italian Underground, he reached safety in Naples, where he was promoted to Captain at the age of 20. On June 1, 1945, he married M. Shirley Thompson. After various enterprises in Massachusetts, the family purchased a dairy farm in Solon. As a farmer, he received numerous awards, including Outstanding Conservation Farmer for 1959. He enjoyed local politics and served as Solon Tax Collector for several years. His political career culminated in a term in the 103rd Maine Legislature. 1970 brought about a change in career and location. The family moved to Pittsfield, and Mr. Hanson became a Certified State of Maine Assessor. Over the next 12 years he served several towns including Pittsfield, Hampden, Dover-Foxcroft, Clifton and Hermon. For several years, he served as an appraiser for FHA and the VA. In retirement he loved to travel, garden and enjoy life at “the camp”. He took great pleasure in his marriage and family, sharing his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments with anyone who would listen. Herbert and Shirley moved to Granite Hill Estates in Augusta in 2001. They spent winters in the Bahamas and traveled whenever possible. He was predeceased by a sister, Margery Sullivan. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, M. Shirley Hanson of Hallowell; a son, H. Bradley Hanson and his wife, Laura, of Vacaville, Calif.; two daughters, Cheryl Edgecomb and her husband, Walter “Chip,” of Hallowell, Shirley McCarthy and her husband, Robert, of Lititz, Pa.; three brothers, Eric Hanson of McLean, Va., John Hanson of Shelburne, Mass., Roger Hanson of Bridgewater, Mass.; a sister, Betty Surgens of West Bridgewater, Mass.; six grandchildren, Robert McCarthy, David Edgecomb, Kristina Edgecomb Stewart, Lisa McCarthy Naples, Janelle Hanson-Borges and Cara Hanson Olmeda; seven great-grandchildren, Shelby Sousa, Sean Stewart, Isabel Olmeda, Haden Borges, Alexander Stewart, Megan Borges and Bella Naples; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visiting will be held 3-6 p.m. Monday, at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta, where a funeral service will take place following the visitation at 6 p.m. The Rev. Jean Wood, pastor of the Cox Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate. A celebration of Herbert’s life will be held at the Cox Memorial United Methodist Church, Hallowell, at a later date and time to be announced, followed by burial in the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cox Memorial U.M.C, Capital Fund, 33 Central St., Hallowell 04347 or the Kennebec Honor Guard, care of George Bean, 327 Pond Road, Sidney 04330. www.khrfuneralhomes.com
HERBERT L. HANSON
