NEWPORT – Rodney Arthur Hanson Sr., 89, died unexpectedly April 15, 2011, at a Bangor hospital, after a short period of ill health. He was born Aug. 4, 1921, in Newport, the son of Freeman and Sadie (Spaulding) Hanson.
He attended Newport schools and was a graduate of Newport High School, Class of 1940. Rodney married Nellie Pelkey Feb. 15, 1942, in Newport. Rodney was a World War II Army veteran, serving in Germany as an infantry sergeant, where he was wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart. He was a licensed master plumber and a licensed oil burner technician, working for more than 50 years in the Newport area, doing plumbing and heating. Rodney was a proud life member of Military Order of the Purple Heart.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Norman Hanson, Jasper Hanson, Harold Hanson, Irene Wyman and Anita Hewins; and his son and daughter-in-law, Rodney A. Hanson Jr. and Linda Hanson. Rodney is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nellie Hanson of Newport; one son and his wife, Daniel and Cheryl Hanson of Palmyra; five grandchildren, Rodney III, Todd, Jordin, Eric and Travis; seven special great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Service Center, 34 High St., Newport. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Ernest Campbell officiating. Interment with military honors will be at Riverside Cemetery later in the spring. To sign an online guest book and leave written tributes and condolences, please visit:
www.PhilipBrownFuneralHome.com.