Date Posted: 2012-10-08

Howard A. "J.R." Hanson, Jr., 70, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday, October 8, 2012, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington.     

Howard was born January 28, 1942, in Tooele, Utah to Howard A., Sr. and Marie W. (Galbraith) Hanson. He was the 2nd of four children. As a young child his family returned to Lexington where he was raised. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1960. After high school, Howard attended Kearney State College graduating in 1964, with a degree in Industrial Arts education. While attending college he was a member of the Loper football team where he served as a team captain his senior year. He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Ann Braithwait, on July 20, 1963 at the Presbyterian Church in Lexington.     

Howard and Ann moved to Broken Bow, Nebraska where they were blessed with three children; Tom in 1968, Jennifer in 1969, and Elizabeth in 1975. He taught and coached football and wrestling, managed the Cash & Carry Lumberyard and ran his own construction business. In 1975, they moved to Kearney where Howard taught at Kearney Jr. High and then again owned his own construction business.     

In 1982, they moved to North Platte where he taught Building Construction at Mid-Plains Community College and earned his Specialist Degree from Kearney State College in Administration. Howard then went into public school administration and was superintendent at Hall School in rural North Platte, Greeley, Winnebago, and Table Rock. He then retired from school administration and returned to Lexington where he and Ann made their home at Johnson Lake.   

In 2005, Howard returned to the classroom and taught Industrial Technology in Ogallala and Paxton during the week and maintained their home at Johnson Lake until his death.     

Throughout much of his life Howard was very active in Boy Scouting. As a youth he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and continued his involvement as an adult serving in various roles; including, taking two different groups to National Scout Jamboree in 1977 and 1981. In the early 1980's, Howard was awarded the highest distinction in scouting, the Silver Beaver Award, for his distinguished service to the Boy Scouts of America.   

Howard was an active and faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Lexington and was a past member of many service and professional organizations in each of the towns that he lived. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities and working in his woodshop.     

Howard is survived by his children; Thomas (Janni) Hanson of Seward, NE; Jennifer Piatt of Bloomington, IN; and Elizabeth (Chris) Ericson of York, NE. Eight Grandchildren; Abigail, Ashlyn, Alec and Amelia Hanson of Seward, NE; Betsy Piatt of Bloomington, IN; and Kaitlyn, Logan, and Maelynn Ericson of York, NE; sister, Sherry (Otis) Ward of Lexington, NE; brother, Jim Hanson of Plattsmouth, NE; and brother-in-law, John Caldwell of Rifle, CO. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.     

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ann Hanson in April of 2012; in-laws, Maurice V. and Virginia E. Braithwait; sister, Colleen Caldwell, and an infant son, David Bruce Hanson.     

Memorial Services will be held Friday, October 12, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Caroline Vickery officiating. Burial will be held prior, for relatives and close friends, at Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. Visitation will be Thursday, October 11, 2012, from 4-6 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.