Jesse Buren “Boots” Hanson, 90, born Aug. 22, 1918 in Goldville, Tallapoosa County, a resident of Foley, died, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at his son’s home in Foley.
He retired in 1979 after serving 25 years as postmaster in Foley. Prior to his postal career, he served as a teacher at Foley High School and as a teacher and principal in several other Alabama schools.
Hanson graduated from Lineville High School and was awarded two bachelor degrees from Jacksonville State Teachers College (now Jacksonville State University). He earned his master’s degree in education from George Peabody College for Teachers (now part of Vanderbilt University) in Nashville, Tenn.
He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and served aboard the naval carriers USS Yorktown, USS Wasp and USS Ranger. He volunteered for prolonged and hazardous duty and became a member of the highly secret, Sino-American Cooperative Organization serving in mainland China with the Chinese Nationalist Army. Hanson was awarded the Bronze Star for valor.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Kathryn Yates Hanson.
Survivors include a daughter Nan Hanson of Foley; two sons Dana (Rena) Hanson and Terry (Cheryl) Hanson of Foley; two brothers Kermit Hanson of Wedowee and Gene Hanson of Dothan; sister Adele New of Lineville; four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
Visitation begins at 1 p.m. with funeral services at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley with the Rev. Dr. Billy Nale officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Rest Memorial Park.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Association for Retarded Citizens of Baldwin County, P.O. Box 400, Loxley, AL 36651 or The Special Adult Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 307, Foley, AL 36536.
Arrangements are by Pine Rest Funeral Home Inc., Foley.
