W. David Hanson

W. David Hanson, 80, of Sanford, died at his home on Monday, November 17, 2014.David was born in Houlton, Maine on February 1, 1934, the son of Clayton and Margaret (Peggy Parkinson) Hanson who had moved to Maine from New Brunswick, Canada. He was raised in a large family of six brothers and two sisters. David graduated from Houlton High School in 1951. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force, rising through the ranks until he retired as a major in 1972. During his military career he spent seven years in the recruiting service and ten years overseas in England and France. While serving in England he met and married Margaret White and together they raised three children and shared over 55 years of marriage.After retiring from the military David prepared himself for a teaching career by completing a bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland. He went on to teach social studies at Noble High School in Berwick. He later received his master's degree from the University of Southern Maine and became a special education teacher at Noble and then for three years at the Sanford Middle School. He and his wife eventually moved to Newport News, Virginia where he was a special education teacher for nine years. They returned to Maine in 2001 to retire and be near their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.David enjoyed teaching at the Sanford Community Adult Education Center in the evening, bowling, trivia, walking his dog and watching his favorite sports teams. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe where he had traveled over 10 times since 1980. He also kept busy during his retirement by preparing taxes for H & R Black and serving on the school board.David was predeceased by his son, David Jon and by two older brothers, Ralph and Robert.Surviving are his wife, Margaret (Maggie) Hanson; his daughters Catherine Bechtol and Tammy Hanson; eight grandchildren, Kerie Perro, Kevin Perro, Jr., Brian Perro, David M. Hanson, Heather Hanson (Raab), Heidi Hanson, Michael Allen and Tina Allen; five great-grandchildren, three brothers, two sisters and many nieces and nephews.A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 22nd at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home located at 580 Main Street in Springvale. Committal Prayers with military honors will follow at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial; Cemetery located on Stanley Road in Springvale.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution to the greyhound rescue of their choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.