ELKHART -- Michael E. "Mike" Hanson Sr., 55, of Elkhart, passed away at 10:10 a.m. Sunday, March 20, 2011, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born March 6, 1956, in Elkhart to George Allen Hanson and Barbara May (Adams) McMannis. On Sept. 18, 1982, he married Nancy Dawn (Timmons) Hanson in Elkhart. She survives.

In addition to his wife, other survivors include his two daughters, Michele Hanson of Elkhart and Christeana D. (Jake) Schwartz of Great Falls, Mont.; two sons, Michael E. Hanson Jr. of Savannah, Ga., and Nicholas A. Hanson of Elkhart; his mother and stepfather, Barbara M. and Robert E. McMannis of Elkhart; two brothers, George A. Hanson of Edwardsburg, Mich., and Edward E. (Debra) Hanson Sr. of Elkhart; four sisters, Mary E. Shedd of Atlanta, Ga., and Barbara A. Hagy, Elizabeth A. Vance and Deborah K. Montagano, all of Elkhart; one stepbrother, Roger A. (Linda) Whitmer of Elkhart; two grandsons, Sean and Brendin Moore, both of Fort Worth, Texas; and three granddaughters, Shenice Moore of Bristol, Kelsey Smart of Rock Hills, N.C., and Kayla Hanson of Charlotte, N.C.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by three stepsisters, Gloria Whitmer, Penny Dudeck and Jeanette Weaver.

Mike was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was employed for about 25 years as a truck driver, most recently with Dexter Chassis Group. He was an avid Colts fan and enjoyed doing carpentry work, landscaping, gardening and bowling in his "spare" time.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the 11 a.m. celebration of life service on Saturday, March 26, 2011, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor Dale A. Turner will officiate. Military honors will be provided by the DAV 19 and the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Detail.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.

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