In Loving Memory of John R. Hanson

October 3, 1949 – October 12, 2026

John R. Hanson, 77, passed away quietly in his home on Monday, October 12, 2026. Born October 3, 1949, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Bill and Evelyn Hanson, John lived a life defined by hard work, curiosity, ingenuity, loyalty, and a deep love for the people and animals who shared his world.

John graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1968. Although he attended NMSU, he ultimately chose a more hands-on path. Following high school, he traveled across the United States, working in the fields and experiencing life beyond his hometown. He later joined the United States Air Force, serving eight years and seeing parts of the world that few get to experience. His assignments included a remote mountain station in Turkey, an air base in Japan, and Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.

After completing his military service, John returned to Las Cruces and began working in the Calibration Laboratory at White Sands Missile Range. He later continued his career at the White Sands Test Facility, where he ultimately retired in 2015 as a Grade A Electronics Technician at the Hypervelocity Gun Laboratory. John was a natural problem-solver who took pride in understanding how things worked and finding ways to make them work again.

John was married to Debra Hanson, and although their marriage eventually ended, his love for her two children, Calvin Erik and Laura Moulton, never did. He embraced them as his own and remained a constant presence in their lives. He was proud that, even after all the years, they continued to come to him as a dad. That bond meant more to him than words could express.

Then, in 1998, John found the love of his life, Dana Lynn Nelson, in a way that was perhaps perfectly suited to him: online. It was a true May-to-December romance. They met online on May 2, met in person on May 22, and were married on December 23. What began as an unexpected connection became a lifetime of love, companionship, and shared adventures. Dana was his partner, his best friend, and the love of his life.

If there was one thing that truly defined John, it was his love of fixing things. He loved a good project and could rarely resist the challenge of taking something old, broken, rusty, or seemingly beyond repair and bringing it back to life. He had a gift for seeing potential where others saw junk. For John, the joy was in the process, the challenge, and the pride of making something work again.

John also loved his neighbors and the close-knit community that surrounded him. He appreciated the simple pleasures of familiar faces, good conversations, and people looking out for one another. He never missed a teachable moment and was always willing to share what he knew, offer advice, or lend a helping hand.

Saturday mornings held a special place in John's heart. Early breakfasts with the Fellers were a cherished tradition, filled with friendship and stories. He also loved watching the Dallas Cowboys play alongside Dennis. These were the everyday moments that made life meaningful to John, and he treasured them.

His love extended beyond people. John had a special place in his heart for animals—all animals. Cats, raccoons, and creatures of every kind seemed drawn to his gentle, nurturing nature. Somehow, they knew they could trust him. His kindness toward animals was simply another reflection of the compassionate man he was.

Above all, John was a father figure, a husband, a brother, a grandfather, a friend, and a man who showed his love through the things he did. Whether he was repairing something, sharing his knowledge, enjoying breakfast with friends, watching football, or quietly caring for an animal, he made a difference in the lives around him.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Dana Lynn Hanson; his children, Laura, Calvin Erik and Sandra; and his grandchildren, Riley and Xander, who brought him great pride and joy. He is also survived by his brothers, James and his wife, Mary, of Farmington, and Robert and his wife, Theresa, of Las Cruces; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Arlene, and Donald Sawyers.

John leaves behind a legacy not measured in things accumulated, but in things repaired, lives touched, lessons shared, friendships built, and love given freely. He will be remembered for his capable hands, his generous heart, his willingness to help, and his remarkable ability to make something wonderful out of what others might have thrown away.

He will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

A brief military honors ceremony will be held at Getz Funeral Home on Thursday, November 12th, 2026 at 3pm.

Rest easy, John. You've earned it.