Born in Akron March 31, 1926, Tom was a graduate of East High School and the University of Akron. He served in the US Army Air Force during WWII in China as a cryptographer with the 14th Air Force, more commonly and famously known as The Flying Tigers. He decoded and delivered messages to Brigadier General Claire Chennault, who referred to him as “Tommy Boy”. He worked 35 years for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Goodyear Aerospace where he founded the “Top 10 Club” and Loral Industries, spending most of his career in the training and human resource field. He was a very active member of the Wedgewood United Methodist Church.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Myrtle (Oaks) Hanna; in-laws, Dutch and May Samples; brother-in-law, Bill Samples; lifetime friend, Howard Boxler; and twin great-granddaughters, Elsie and Emerie.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gerry; brother, John (Norma); brother-in-law, Jack (Monteen) Samples; sister-in-law, Audrey Samples; daughter, Becky (Mark) Duhon; son, Jim (Suzi) Hanna; grandchildren, Ben, Erin, Drew, Joe, Megan, Vince and Krissa; great-grandchildren, Jaylynn, Jacob, Vincent, Isabella and Jenson; as well as many nieces and nephews, each of whom he loved dearly.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff and families of Summit Villa and National Church Residence Hospice for their care, friendship and love.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 15, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Eckard Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market St. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Karen Hartley officiating, where the family will also receive friends for ONE HOUR prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m.
Interment with military honors will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wedgewood United Methodist Church building fund.
