David W. Hanson

David W. Hanson, born in 1933, went home to be with the Lord after his long battle with cancer under the wonderful care of the Silver Team of Hospice. He was born in Duxbury, Massachusetts to Werner and Beatrice Stowe Haller. David was later adopted by Carl Hanson when he was 3 years old. He became a permanent resident of St. Petersburg, Florida in 1990. David is survived by his loving wife Sandy O'Hara of 53 years. He also leaves behind his daughter Lori (Gary) Johnson, sons David J. (Tracy) Hanson and Allan (Debra) Hanson, Jeffrey Dolan, 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, sister Elizabeth (James) Johnson, sisters-in-law Joan (Michael) Grushkin, Donna Ross, brother-in-law David Ross and many nieces and nephews.

David is a Korean War Veteran that served with the Air Force for 4 years as an Air Policeman. He was TDY to the Armies 187th Regimental Combat Team as a radio operator and made 2 jumps into Korea where he was injured on his second jump. David's love for parachuting led him to learn skydiving and had over 1,000 jumps to his credit. He did stunts for the TV series "Ripcord" back in the 1960s. David and his wife produced, directed, and headlined in the Las Vegas Revue, "The Best of Burlesque", at the Landmark Hotel. The revue also performed in many venues all over the country and in Canada, including the Mahaffey Theater and Ruth Eckerd Hall, here in Florida. They owned an operated the Country Dinner Playhouse in St. Petersburg, Florida, and The Stage Door Dinner Theater in Huntsville, Alabama in the 80s. David produced the Mississippi Gulf Coast Fair and Exposition, which is still in existence in Biloxi, Mississippi. He also co-produced and directed a full-length motion picture titled "The Night of the Bloody Transplant". He owned Tia Records and had several semi-successful recordings in the early 60s. In his early years, he played drums in the band which he formed. He was a member of the "Hilltoppers" recording group in the 80s. David was signed by the Boston Red Sox in the late 40s and was the youngest bonus baby at the time. He had a short career as an outfielder in the minor leagues. He was the chapel coordinator for Baseball Chapel to the Las Vegas Stars, the AAA team of the San Diego Padres, while living in Las Vegas which he felt was an honor to be a part of.

His love for his country prompted him to become the original Honor Guard Commander for the Pinellas County Veterans Liaison Council, and along with 25 volunteers gave fallen veterans the honor that was due to them at their internment. He enjoyed showing young children our military history at The Armed Forces Military History Museum where he was a tour guide. He was also a member of the American Legion, 101st Airborne Association, Gibsonton Showman's League, KWVA, among many other organizations.

David will also be remembered by his friends for his ability to make them laugh and feel good about themselves. He put his heart and soul into everything he was a part of.

He loved his children with a passion and was so proud of them. He credits his successful marriage and career to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, David would like donations be made to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

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