Earsel Joe Hanning

Earsel Joe Hanning, 76, of Nelsonville, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2007 at his residence. He was born May 13, 1931 in Nelsonville, son of the late Edith Eugene Hostetter Thompson and Hershel Hanning. He was married to Sylvia A. Matheny Hanning, who survives, for 29 years.

Joe was a 1949 graduate of Nelsonville High School and retired from the Logan Goodyear Plant as Maintenance Supervisor with 30 years service where he was presented the Spirit Award in 1974. He was previously employed at the former Sylvania Plant and was owner of the old Mac?s Dairy Freeze in Nelsonville. Joe was a past President and life member of the Nelsonville Lions Club and later became District Governor of Lions District 13-K. He was instrumental in organizing the Chauncey-Dover and Alexander Lions Clubs. Joe was recognized for his Humanitarian service as Past District Governor with the Melvin Jones Fellowship from Lions Clubs International. He was a member of the Nelsonville Wesleyan Church and was a life member of the Nelsonville Elks Lodge #543. Joe enjoyed the Nelsonville Parade of the Hills and he and his wife, Sylvia, hosted family and friends annually during the parade and also held a cookout for the Complete General Construction crew during the route 33 Canal St. project.

In addition to his wife, Sylvia, Joe is survived by daughter, Kelsey Jim Lawson of Cocoa, Florida; grandson, Chance Lawson of Jacksonville, Florida; special niece, Linda Hillyer of Columbus; cousin Rose McGathey of Logan; several nieces and nephews; caregivers, Colleen Warren, Mary Ellen Teal and Jackie Patton and his dogs and special companions, Rex and Luke.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandmother who raised him, Laura Hostetter and a son, Jason Leigh Hanning.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville with Rev. Mike Thomas officiating. Interment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral home where a Lions memorial service will be conducted at 7:00 PM and an ELKS service will be conducted at 7:30 PM

Please sign his online guestbook.