Ambers E Hanson

Ambers E. Hanson, age 101, died peacefully in his home in Auburn, Alabama, on Monday, June 9, 2025. His home was the place he loved most dearly. He was fortunate to remain there with the help of a host of caregivers that included loving family, friends, neighbors, and professional staff who were all led by his devoted wife, Jean.

Ambers was born on July 31, 1923, to James Madison Hanson and Lora Butler Hanson in Pine Hill, Alabama (Randolph County). He grew up on a farm, which- with the family's labor and know-how-provided much of the food that sustained them during the Depression. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1942 and served in World War II for three years as an Air Force radio operator and gunner on B-17s and B-24s. He was assigned to the 8th Air Force, 34th Bomb Group, 391st Division. He survived a plane crash during training before he was deployed to Mendlesham, England. From this air base, he flew 25 bombing missions over Germany, France, and Czechoslovakia. At the end of the war, he participated in food drops over Holland.

His military awards include the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the World War II Victory Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars.

During the Korean War in 1950, while Ambers was attending Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API, now Auburn University), he was recalled to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Once again, he served as a radio operator on B-29s and also practiced loading the atomic bomb. Although his education was interrupted twice by military service, Ambers graduated from API in March 1952 and married his sweetheart in October 1952.

He then began a long career as an agricultural economist with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), focusing on river basin studies. In 1964-65 he was awarded a Kellogg Fellowship to attend North Carolina State for additional graduate courses.

Ambers was a faithful and loving husband to Jean Lowery Hanson throughout their 72 years of marriage. Together they were charter members of Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn. After retirement from SCS, the Hansons also owned and operated a horse boarding business with two of their lifelong friends, Dorothy and Walter Grimes.

Ambers is survived by his wife, Jean; his children, Scott (Sarah) and Lynn (Mary Lou); his grandchildren, Lora Lynn (Andrew) and Daniel (Anna); and his great- grandchildren, Sam, Ian, Adam, Ellen, Willa, Mira, and Finn. The family is especially grateful to Annie Ruth Epps for the love and tender care she offered Mr. Hanson in his final years, as well as to the Compassus staff for oversight of his hospice care services.

Ambers lived an extraordinary life. He chose kindness and gentleness in all seasons. The very core of his character inspired respect. A kind and wise man, Ambers loved well and was well loved.

Visitation is Friday, June 13, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika from 4-6 p.m. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn. A subsequent burial and graveside service will be held at Ranburne First Baptist Church of Ranburne, Alabama, 4:00 p.m. CST.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Benevolence Fund at Lakeview Baptist Church or to the Ranburne First Baptist Church of Ranburne, Alabama.