Richard Hansing

Richard "Dick" Hansing 1920-1939 Richard Hansing, age 90 left us peacefully while surrounded by his family on August 5, 2010. He was born in Perry, Oklahoma on January 20, 1920. He attended schools in Kimberly and Twin Falls Idaho. Richard enlisted in the Navy on November 10, 1939. He was one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors. He was in the engine room of the USS Nevada when it was bombed. After losing the Nevada, Richard Was transferred to the North Hampton. He took part in the Battle of the Midway. The North Hampton was sunk on November 30, 1942. The crew was picked up by the Fletcher and shipped back to the United States. Richard was then put aboard the Light Cruiser, Mobile and again sailed for the South Pacific where they engaged in The Battle of the Philippines Seas in June of 1944. He was transferred off the Mobile on July 28, 1944 and went to the Great Lakes Base in Illinois. There, he served as a Basic Engineering Instructor until he was discharged as a Machinist's Mate First Class on November 22, 1945. He also served in the Korean War. During this war, Richard helped put three carriers back into commission and was discharged on November 8, 1951. On August 4, 1956, Richard married Velma McCoy and gained an immediate family with Velma and her three children, Phyllis, Carole and Alan. Dick had numerous jobs then went into farming in Twin Falls. He farmed for many years and retired in 1984. He resided in Twin Falls until his death. Dick was an avid football fan. He especially liked the BSU Broncos. He enjoyed the C. & W. and Big Band music; and he loved to tell stories about the war. He would talk to anyone who had plenty of time to spare. He also went to many schools throughout the Magic Valley and talked to students about the Navy and Pearl Harbor. He also enjoyed John Wayne movies. Dick is survived by one brother, Dave Hansing, and one sister, Eva Jean Nebeker, three children and Phyllis Cummins, Carole (Dean) Caldwell, and Alan (Cathy) McCoy. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren 18 great-grandchildren and 4 great- great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Wilma Kohntopp and his loving wife Velma Hansing, brother Bob and half brother Merle. Funeral services for Richard will be held Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls, ID with Pastor Randy Gardner officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 12 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be held following services at the Twin Falls Cemetery where full military honors will be given for this hero and he will be laid to rest beside his loving wife, Velma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard's memory to the Salvation Army care of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls, ID 83301. Those wishing to share condolences may do so online at www.magivalleyfuneralhome.com.