Roger Hanson Sr., longtime Denison resident and music educator, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 31st at the age of 87. Roger was born to Floyd and Martha Hanson in Hastings, Nebraska in 1935. His mother and father knew he was destined for a career in music when, to their surprise, their neighbors informed them that young Roger had been going door to door through the neighborhood offering to sing a song for a penny. The Hanson family later moved to Commerce, Texas where Roger graduated from Commerce High School and then later East Texas State University where he obtained both a Bachelor’s degree in Music and a Master’s degree in Education. Shortly after college, Roger served for a period of time in the US Army.
It was a job as Choral Director for the Denison Independent School District that brought him to Denison and it was here that he would remain for the rest of his career, serving as Fine Arts Director for the school district as well as leading several choirs. But it was his select choral group known as “Hanson’s Headaches” that he will likely be most remembered for. After teaching students for more than 30 years, he left a legacy of music, kindness, and community that will continue for generations to come. It was also in Denison where he met the love of his life, Dolores Wilson Hanson. Together they joined the First Christian Church of Denison where Roger served as Choral Director for more than 50 years. Roger and his wife Dolores decided to spend their retirement years in service to others. They founded the Golden Oldies group at First Christian Church, filling a need for fellowship specifically intended for the senior citizens of the church.
They also were dedicated members of the Grayson County Meals on Wheels organization for many, many years. During this time they delivered countless meals to those who would have gone without otherwise. Perhaps Roger’s greatest act of service, though, was taking care of his wife when her health declined. His love, devotion, and care for her throughout the years until she passed inspired many, including her. Roger was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, sister Shirley Menasco, brother Floyd Hanson Jr., and brothers-in-law Paul, Richard, and John Wilson. Roger is survived by his sons Dennis Mitchell and wife Vivian, Roger Hanson, Jr. and husband Story, 5 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Fisher Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 5th from 5:00 – 7:00pm at Fisher Funeral Home, 604 W Main St, Denison. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 6th at 11:00am at First Christian Church, 800 W Woodard St, Denison. Condolences may be registered online at www. fisherfh.com
