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Walter Hannen Obituary
November 30, 1946 - May 11, 2014
Durham
Walter Lewis ("Walt") Hannen, age 67, died peacefully in Durham on Sunday morning, May 11, 2014, after a valiant struggle with cancer.
Walt was born in Hancock County, West Virginia on November 30, 1946, to Lew Hannen and Dorothea Williams, who then moved to Durham where Lew Hannen became Superintendent of the Durham City Schools. A scholar athlete, Walt was a national high school All American football player while attending Durham High School, where he also excelled in track and field. Walt attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Morehead-Cain Scholar and the Babcock School of Banking. As a career banker he specialized in bank turnarounds and mergers.
Walt is survived by his wife, Mari Hannen, his brother and sister, George and Dottie Hannen of Durham, his three children, sons Louie Hannen and Stan Hannen of Cary, and daughter, Louisa Hannen, and five grandchildren. Walt is missed by family and countless friends in Durham and other parts of NC, the US, and Asia, where he made many contributions during his lifetime.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at 5:30 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 215 North Church Street, Durham, NC.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider a donation to Trinity United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice that you feel best celebrates Walt's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Hannen
Sponsored by Louisa Hannen.
April 8, 2015
I am so very sad today to have just found out about your passing. You were a great boss and good friend. I always hoped we would meet again, now I'll have to wait for our reunion in heaven. Jay
Angel Redoble
May 29, 2014
our deepest condolences to mari and luisa and the hannen family-angel and jane
Greg Fowler
May 28, 2014
I only knew Walt a few days but saw what I had missed. I can see why so many loved him. So much fun to be around and what a sense of humor! Rest easy my friend. Greg Fowler
Glenda Wolff
May 27, 2014
Even from these many miles away, my connection with you was re-ignited. We grew up across the street from each other on W. Trinity Avenue. As I will re-affirm, you validated what courage and tenacity means. One very special human being. What you brought to others is a testament to your parents and your family. Soar with the angels my friend.
Bobby Jones
May 26, 2014
I was seven years old the first time I looked up to my friend Walter Hannen. That was 59 years ago, and I still look up to him - and he's still there. He will always be there when I look up to him, and Him. Rest in everlasting peace my dear friend, until we meet again. - Bobby Jones
Brenda Haithcock Thompson
May 26, 2014
Words cannot begin to express what renewal of your friendship meant to me, You have taught me many lessons of how to face adversity, pain, and life with a sense of humor, patience and never failing love for each person you come in contact with in life. Mari and Louisa will carry on the legacy of your life. Thank you for being a part of mine. You will be missed more than you will ever know but your life lessons will live on in the lives of all you have touched.
May 26, 2014
Many will remember and cherish special times and memories they have shared with you. You will live on in our hearts.
Debbie Hall Jones, Nayarit, Mexico
Barbara Chance
May 26, 2014
What a very special man.....such an inspiration in the face of adversity. You will forever be missed, my friend......and yes....we will definitely see each other again......in the meantime.....I will see to it your precious Mari and Louisa know they are loved by your friends.....RIP dear Walter
May 25, 2014
Your plight reunited so many old friends and helped us get to know new ones. You were always a leader. Now you are leading us home! Rest in peace, dear friend. Linda and Andy
Marshall Fowler
May 25, 2014
We have learned so much from you in the last several weeks. Your stories, your life and you always kept your humor. You will be missed by many. I am sorry I was not able to be apart of the reunion celebrations. Maria now has a new family and the both of you and Louisa will always be in our hearts. RIP dear friend.
Don Haley
May 25, 2014
You're proof that friends are hard to find. You were one of the good guys!
Karen Cotton Morris
May 25, 2014
It was a real honor to have you for a friend. So enjoyed our times together. Miss you....gone way too soon. Not going to say goodbye-will see again one day.....You were a special person, Walter Lewis Hannen
May 25, 2014
Just can't find the words to describe our friendship.....still choke up not being able to believe you are gone. You were an inspiration to all and your courage and love will live on and on through your precious Louisa! I know that I will see you again one day! God bless and keep you always my friend!!
Susan Dunnagan
May 25, 2014
Missing the daily updates and positive messages. Thanks for the lessons. Until we meet again...
Donnie Clark
May 25, 2014
We have all lost a true friend and a profile in courage. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again......
Ralph and Sassie Grissom
May 25, 2014
You are always in our hearts and my peace comes from you knowing that. Thank you for all we shared. I'll see you again one day my special friend. May this candle glow eternally.
Wayne Talley
May 25, 2014
It was a privilege to have called you friend. You will be missed.
cheryl tyson
May 25, 2014
Our reunion has just started, we'll see you again.
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