John W. Hanshaw

Master Sergeant John W. Hanshaw, U.S. Air Force (Retired), 80, died Thursday, October 13, 2005, at Hanover Hospital. He was the husband of Shirley M. (Bunty) Hanshaw for almost 56 years. Born November 27, 1924, in Hummelstown, he was the son of the late William Albert and Rose (Fisher) Hanshaw. Mr. Hanshaw was a member of St. James United Church of Christ, Littlestown, where he also served as an Elder, the Home Association, McSherrystown, and the Republican Club, Hanover. Mr. Hanshaw was a 1942 graduate of Hummelstown High School. He retired as a Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force in 1967 after 21 years of service. John served during WWII, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He was stationed in India, China, Japan, Korea and the South Pacific, Thailand and Vietnam. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He also received a Commendation for Maintenance of Aircraft Instruction from Ohio State University. After retiring from the Air Force, John worked at AMF of York, later retiring from Harley-Davidson in 1990 after 22 years of service. He was known as 'Sarge' to his fellow employees. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah C. and Christopher Fink of Hanover; three grandchildren, Christina and Craig Hoover of New Oxford, Melissa and Michael Fink of Hanover and Becca and Stephen Fink of Hanover; four great-grandchildren, Autumn and Kaylie Hoover of New Oxford and Bryce and Jenna Fink of Hanover; four brothers, Earl R. Hanshaw of Dillsburg, Richard R. Hanshaw of Mechanicsburg, James H. Hanshaw of Elizabethtown and Gary Lee Hanshaw of Palmyra; four sisters, Anna Louise Hoffman of Annville, Doris J. Roberts of Hummelstown, Shirley C. Smith of Schuylkill Haven and Mildred M. Hanshaw of Hummelstown. He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. A funeral service will be held Monday, October 17, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Little's Funeral Home, 34 Maple Ave., Littlestown, with Pastor Scott Aument officiating. A viewing will be Monday from 12 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hanover. The Littlestown Allied Veterans Council will conduct full military honors at the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 488 W. Market St., P.O. Box 1125, York, PA 17405.