Leonard Lon Hanson, 74, of Midland, went to be with his Lord and Savior at his residence on Sunday, May 30, 2004 after an extended illness.He was born September 27, 1929 to Bud and Vivian Bigby Hanson, in San Angelo, Texas. He was the grandson of Will and Cora Hanson and J.O. and Zylphia Bigby. He was raised and educated in Garden City, where he went tofurther his education at Howard County College. His parents were longtime Pioneer Glasscock County Ranchers.Leonard had lived in Midland since 1956, where he married Shirley Eaton on June 1, 1967. He was a member of Ranchland Heights Baptist Church where he served as Deacon until his illness. He owned and operated his oilfieldservice company for thirty years, Hanson and Scoggin Field Service which later became Arrow Plastics. After retiring in 1990, he continued ranching until his death.His outlook on life was "I believe in trying to keep a positive outlook on everything, and saying something nice to someone everyday." Living out his dreams, he helped organize and Charter District 2-A1 Lions Eye Bank, andserved as its Executive Director for 21 years. He also received an Extension Award in 1984 for organizing the Midland Suburban Lions Club. He was a life member of the Lions Eye Bank, Texas Lions Camp, Lions International, Texas Lions Foundation, Century Club Member , was a Melvin Jones Fellow and was Inducted into the Texas Lions "Hall of Fame". He had enjoyed 44 years of perfect attendance and received his Key for sponsoring over 80 members intoLions International. He joined the Midland Southside Lions Club in 1958, and later transferred to the Midland Suburnban Lions Club. He served as District 2A-1 Governor in 1986-1987.Through the years, he also loved playing the drums with the Jack Russell Band at the Senior Citizen Center, Nursing Homes, VA Hospitals, and various others, to bring joy through music to others' lives. Leonard also enjoyed sharing his humor at several speaking engagements, and also at every opportunity with friends and family.Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Vivian Hanson.Surviving Leonard is his wife Shirley of Midland, son, Wayne and wife, Sally Hanson of Brownwood, daughter, Anita and husband, Gary Carnett, and son, David and wife, Cindy Hanson all of Midland, a brother, Bruce Hanson of Midland, along with nine grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces.He will be greatly missed by his family and numerous friends.Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews: Scott Carnett, Cole Hanson, Will Hanson, Wayne Johnson, Lee Hanson and Donald Hanson.Honorary pallbearers will be : Paul Bozeman, Norman Cristie, Jim Cobb, Oscar Cook, Dick Cunningham, Don Edwards, Harold Gillam, Mark Hughes, John Kendrick, Carmon McCain, Don Osborn, Paul Palmer, Bobby Riggs, Jack Russell,Mike Smith, Don Tergerson, Cecil Templeton, Max von Roeder, Jim Wilks and all Lions Club Members.The family will receive friends at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring Street in Midland, on Tuesday, June 1, 2004 from 6-8 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 10 A.M. at GolfCourse Road Church of Christ 3500 W. Golf Course Rd. in Midland, with Robert Kepple, former pastor of Ranchland Heights Baptist Church, officiating, and Mark Hughes, assisting. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. onWednesday at the Garden City Cemetery in Garden City.The family suggests memorials to Texas Lions Camp, P.O. Box 290247, Kerrville, TX 78029-0247, or to Home Hospice of Midland, 901 W. Missouri, Midland TX 79701. The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Vogel, Nurses Unlimited and Home Hospice for the care Leonard received.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.npwelch.com.,
