Thomas "Tj" Hanson

Thomas J. Hanson "Tom/TJ" passed away quietly at his home in Inkom with his family at his side at the age of 87. Tom was born in Idaho Falls, May 4 th 1926, to Thomas Martin Hanson and Ida Lavon Olson Hanson. Tom had four sisters. During his early years he lived in Iona, Idaho, where he attended school through the 8 th grade. When he was young he had the opportunity to work on the family farm, which developed into a love for raising animals. He started his life long career with Union Pacific Railroad in 1945, which extended 47 years, with a brief leave to join the Army in 1954-1956. Through his career with the railroad he served as a helper, brakeman, and conductor prior to retiring in June of 1989. He had three marriages during his life. In 1945, he married Beulah (Pat) Terry. They had two children plus Pat's two children. He later married Eleanor (Ellen) Clarke in 1956, and they had three children. In 1966, he married Mary B. Lacy Clark and helped raise Mary's three children along with three foster children. The two remained together for 47 years. He spent the remainder of his life in Inkom, Idaho, where he enjoyed woodworking, fishing and helping Mary with gardening, and raising a few cows and chickens, as a hobby. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend to all. He taught many of his family members that hard work will pay out later in life. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sister, Kay Bartlett, Twin Falls, ID. Children: Raymond (Judith) Hanson, Boise ID; Mickey (Kelly) Hanson, San Luis Obispo, CA; Deanna (Charlie) Cambon, Boise, ID; Richard Hanson, Albuquerque, NM; C. Thomas (Darlene) Hanson; Cedar City, UT; Jae Lynn Lowder; Salt Lake City, UT; Brad (Teri) Hanson, Wendover, UT; Joyce (Keith) Collins, Mountain View, WY; Carolyn A. Sparks, Pocatello, ID; Daniel K. (Shirlee) Clark, Inkom, ID; Barbara Tobias, Pocatello, ID; Eddy Wyland; and Bernice DeLeon; Along with 47 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Amaryllis (Vickie), Thelma Purser, and Verona Day. The family wishes to thank all the caregivers, and a special thank you to Cree of Encompass Home Health, and all those who came to visit and those who assisted him in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to your favorite charity. A visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, August 5, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 South 4 th Avenue prior to a graveside service at Restlawn Memorial Gardens at 11:00 a.m.