It is with great sadness that we are announcing the tragic passing of Steven Wayne Hanson of Carlisle AR, on Friday February 7.
Steve was born October 24, 1960 to Lorraine R and Donald Wayne Hanson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Steve grew up in church and at a young age accepted Christ. His family moved to Olympia WA in 1968 and he graduated from Olympia High School in Olympia WA in 1979.
He was a beloved member of the Hanson family and in 1986 joined the Cook family with his marriage to Wendy Cook Hanson.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Hanson and His father. He was survived his mom, Lorraine; his wife, Wendy; his seven children Julia (24), Kyle (20), Rianne (13). Havannah (12), Logan (11), Natalie (7), Sasha (6), and a granddaughter, Mackenzie (3).
Steve was meticulous in everything he did from pencil drawing, to working on a home, to being a friend, to being a member of a family, or whatever job or task he was to do he wanted to do his best. He loved drawing, being with family, going to Disneyland, and after moving to Arkansas, Silver Dollar City became his new Disneyland. However, the most important things to him were his walk with Christ, church family, immediate family, foster children, and his friends he had the privilege of getting to know over the years.
Steve and his wife Wendy were loved by their nieces and nephews for years before becoming parents of their own. In 2003 they adopted their first child and over the next 20 years they adopted 7 children and touched many children’s lives through foster care.
Steve also worked at Washington State Corrections Center in Shelton, WA for over 30 years and retired from there. After retiring, he and his family moved to Carlisle, AR and bought a fun home to remodel.
He spent many days taking his children places and seeing things, working on his retirement home, continuing to stay connected with foster children he had gotten to know, and his newest joy was his new granddaughter.
Anyone who knew Steve knew how much he loved and cared for those in his life. In 1986 he dedicated his life to Christ and it showed. He didn’t just say he was a Christian he showed it by his example. Everyone that knew him described him as a kind person and a good friend. Many of the foster children said he was like a father to them. He will be missed greatly by those who knew him. The memories and stories he left us with will be cherished by everyone who knew him and his example will leave a legacy through many people.
The service will be held at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Carlisle, AR Saturday, Feb 15 at 11:00 am
Praying for this family!
His Uncle Ken has great memories of Steve scooting instead of crawling as a child. His eulogy for his father Don was deeply moving and left a great impression.
Prayers for the family during this difficult time.