Ralph Edward "Bob" Hanson

Ralph ""Bob"" Edward Hanson, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at his home in Diamondhead with his wife Clare Hanson at his side. He was born on February 14, 1936 in Washington, DC to his parents Ralph Edward and Helen Elizabeth (Curtis) Hanson.
Mr. Hanson, who retired as Lieutenant Commander in the Navy in 1983, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1960. He served in the Vietnam war, where he commanded River Assault Division 91 in the Mekong Delta. He was awarded numerous medals and military decorations, including the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, both for valor in combat, as well as the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation. Over the course of his career, he also served on the USS Purdy (DD725), the USS O'Brien (DD725), and as the Executive Officer of the USS Cony (DD508). He retired after serving in London, and he remarried and lived in the United Kingdom until 1992 before moving to Diamondhead.
He is survived by his wife Clare, his sister Barbara Ford, his four children from his first marriage to Barbara Lee (Clement), Amanda Heltzel of Lexington, Kentucky, Marion Hanson-Jerrard of Napa, California, Abigail Ham of Sonoma, California, Christopher Hanson of Syracuse, New York, nine grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Tammy Meyers for the care and comfort provided by her over six years of dedicated service, as well as other support staff, neighbors, and friends, including Charles Debrow, for their support and assistance. Memorial contributions may be made to Diamondhead Community Church.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm with visitation one hour prior on Thursday, May 21, at the Diamondhead Community Church. Interment will follow at Arlington National Ceremony on a future date. Tributes at www.riemannfamily.com