Michael Hanson

Michael Arthur Hanson, age 61, passed peacefully at his home January 20, 2021.

Mike had been incapacitated physically for over 38 years after a car accident left him paralyzed.  Mike kept a positive attitude throughout the years and always had a smile on his face for anyone he was able to see.  Mike was not a complainer and lived life to its fullest. Mike was quite the computer guru and kept his Alexa busy answering all sorts of trivia.  The computer and phones have been a lifeline to all his friends near and far.  Mike was the person anyone could call on to visit on a long drive or just needing someone to talk to about what was happening in their life. Mike enjoyed a bit of political banter with a few that had different views, but always in jest.  Mike was an avid reader and excellent at solving crosswords.   Mike loved life and would have loved to live forever, but he knew his time was near and was ready to move on.

Mike fought the good fight and had family that loved and cared for him for many years.  He looked forward to the company of his many nieces and nephews over the years.  Pam, Robbi and Wendy enjoyed many fun times with “Uncle Mike” or as he liked to be called “The King”.  He was the best storyteller for their overnight visits to Papa’s house.   Years later when Ryan, Lindsey and Seth came along, he continued his story telling prowess.  The kids all loved the stories of “Tom and Lucy”. Mike enjoyed being outside watching them play and attended their baseball and football games when he was able.   As the kids grew, Mike was their confidant, sports fan, and best uncle around.  He was so proud of all of them.

Mike’s best joy was his family, friends, and his dogs.  He spent most of his time on the computer and his iPhone.  He enjoyed playing games online with friends and family.  Mike was a joy to be around for everyone.  He was a favorite “patient” to many nurses throughout the years.  Everyone was greeted at the door by Archer and Daisy as they knew it was time for a treat.  Amazon stock may plummet from the lack of his orders!

Mike graduated from Permian High School in 1977.  He attended Odessa College and University of Texas at Arlington.  Mike or “Cheezy” as he was called by his Permian classmates was an integral part of planning every reunion.  He was the one person everyone knew to call to get information.  His Class of “77” friends have continued to be a daily call, text, or Facebook post away.   While attending UT Arlington he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he was known as “Mojo”.  He had many fellow classmates from UTA that he still talked to daily or as often as they could.  Mike was an incredibly lucky person to have had such loyal friends.

Mike was born in Beaver, Oklahoma on March 2, 1959.  The family moved several times during his childhood before settling in Odessa in 1967.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wendell “Hook” & Phyllis Hanson; and his niece, Robbi Cox Hasty of San Angelo.

Mike is survived by his sisters, Jane Cox and husband Gary of San Angelo, Barbara Smith and husband Sam of Odessa; brother, Lee Hanson of Odessa; nieces, Pam Klausner and husband Troy of San Angelo, Wendy Wright and husband Jason of San Angelo, and Lindsey Parnell of Addison; nephews, Dr. Ryan Parnell of The Woodlands and Seth Parnell of Odessa.  Mike was blessed with many more great nieces and nephews, and even “great-greats”.  Mike did get to experience the “Baby Shark” song most recently to entertain one of his great nieces, Chloe, with his Alexa.  He loved seeing her expression when the music started!

The Hanson house will miss our Mike.  At his request, there will be no services.  Family and friends will gather at a later time.