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HANSON -- Robert John Hanson. Last Remaining Member of "Memphis Belle" Robert J. Hanson passed away Saturday, October 1, 2005 at Arbor Brook Nursing Home in Albuquerque, NM at the age of 85. Bob was the last surviving member of the famous "Memphis Belle" B-17 airplane, which was the first bomber in World War II to complete 25 missions over Germany and to return safely. Because of the heroic efforts of the members of the Memphis Belle, Bob was awarded numerous medals, including medals presented by the Queen of England for his military efforts. In 1977 Bob and Irene Hanson returned to England as consultants to the 2nd making of the movie, "The Memphis Belle." Bob was born in Helena MT on Tuesday, May 25, 1920. He grew up in Garfield, WA and was one of four children born to Art and Blanche Hanson. His uncle, Ford McDaniel, his mother's brother, raised him. He was an outstanding athlete and received a baseball scholarship to Washington State University, but was unable to play baseball because he was drafted into the Army Air Corps. He served four years in the service and left with the rank of First Lieutenant. Upon returning from World War II, Bob joined Nalley's Fine Foods where he progressed from a salesman to a regional sales manager, responsible for several states in the Northwest. Two of Bob's greatest areas of enjoyment in his later years were golfing with Irene and their friends and square dancing. Bob is survived by his wife, Irene Hanson of Albuquerque; brother, Harold Hanson and wife, Ruby of Los Angeles, CA; sister, Ann Blatt and husband, Bill, of Arlington WA; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Dee Dee Hanson and their son, Bo, of Spokane WA; their daughter and son-in-law, Sunny and Jason Shirley of Las Vegas, NV; his daughter, Mary Black and her husband, James of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Michelle Black; grandson, Jason Black and wife, Liza, of Albuquerque; two granddaughters, Tina and Terry Walker from Pasco, WA and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2005, 4:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. French Mortuary, Inc. 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Tue October 04, 2005