Thomas Mead Hanson

On October 18, 1934, Thomas Mead Hanson was born to the union of the late Melvin and Arvilla (Paull) Hanson in Ironwood, Michigan. Tom, as he was known to his family and friends, grew up in Waterford, Wisconsin where he graduated from high school. He furthered his education and attended college at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for a time before moving to Chillicothe, Missouri to work on a ranch as a manager. He then entered the United States Navy and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge in 1957. Tom later returned to Wisconsin and was united in marriage to Patsy Hanson in 1965. They shared several wonderful years together and were blessed with one daughter, Tahirih. During his time in Wisconsin, Tom drove a school bus, operated a fur business and a sporting goods store. In 2003, he moved to Salem, Missouri. After moving to Salem, he began selling pecans. He was known as the “Pecan Man”, and everyone looked forward to buying some of his pecans either at the local farmer’s market or from him individually. He was very proud of his farmer’s market produce as every summer he would make a trip to the Missouri bootheel and come back with sweet corn, peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes to sell at the farmer’s market. In 2007, Tom met Eva Fromm. Tom and Eva shared ten years together before she preceded him in death in 2017. Tom passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, having attained the age of 89 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He is survived by his daughter: Tahirih Hanson of Madison, WI; stepson: Kenneth Krivitz; niece: Jeri Sue Kelly; two nephews: Rob Smith and Jim Hanson; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his first wife: Patsy Hanson; his wife: Eva Fromm; one brother: Paull Hanson; one sister: Barbara Jean Smith; and nephew: Chris Hanson. Even though he is gone from our sight, Tom’s commitment to his country and family will live on in our hearts forever. Graveside services with military honors were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville with Bob Crecelius (Hospice Chaplain) officiating. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Thomas Mead Hanson

October 18, 1934 - October 5, 2024