Stanley DeWayne Hannah

Stanley D. Hannah (1937 - 2024) Obituary

Stanley DeWayne Hannah, 87, of New Vienna, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on December 30, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Stanley was born in Riceville, Kentucky in 1937 to Wayne and Mary (LeMaster) Hannah. He was the eighth of eleven children. In 1943, the family moved to Ohio to find work after the closure of the Kentucky coal mines. Stanley graduated from Jefferson High School in 1956. He attended Asbury University and The Ohio State University, graduating from the latter in 1961.

Stanley married Georgialia L. Valentine in 1962. Their love was a constant throughout his life, as evidenced by his dedication to family and the numerous projects he undertook to create a world centered around her. They built their dream home near Snow Hill Country Club in 1978, a testament to Stan's love for golf and Georgialia's unwavering support for his passions. Their home became a beloved gathering place for family, a reflection of Stan's deep commitment to his loved ones and an informal sanctuary for local wildlife, a testament to their shared love for nature and the peaceful life they built together.

Stanley began his professional career as a structural design engineer with Armco Steel Corp in Middletown, Ohio, in 1963. He designed structural steel for buildings and wrote programs in FORTRAN with his team to help with the design process. This early experience with computer-aided design was innovative for the time. Stanley's expertise in steel building construction led him to join a general contracting organization in Springfield, Illinois in 1964, where he utilized both his engineering and communication skills to sell and manage metal building construction projects. After a successful stint as Sales Manager with the R-C Steel Building Co. in Charleston, SC, from 1966-1969, Stanley returned to Ohio to join Modern Sales Construction Inc. in Wilmington as a partner in 1969.

Stanley played a key role in growing the Modern Sales and Construction (MOSACO) business over several decades, eventually becoming the owner and leading it with his son, Paul, to become the oldest Armco Steel Building Systems franchise. Stanley retired from MOSACO in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of over 800 completed construction projects, playing a significant role in the development of southwest Ohio. These projects spanned diverse industries and included several notable clients such as Mead Paper Company, General Electric Co., Cincinnati Milacron, and ABX Air.

His commitment to community development was evident in the numerous facilities he designed and built, including the Clinton East Apartments, an affordable multi-family rental housing project with the USDA Rural Development (RD) for low-income, elderly, or disabled individuals and families in Rural areas, as well as religious facilities for the New Vienna Methodist, Calvary Baptist, Wilmington Bible Baptist, and Wilmington Church of Christ churches.

Along with his professional work and family life, Stanley was very active in his community. Stanley was an active member of both the Jaycees and the Lion's Club. In the early 1970s, he was a member of the Wilmington Jaycees, serving as president of the organization. During this period, the Jaycees were actively involved in community projects like fundraising to build a park for young children. They sponsored events such as the Miss Southwestern Ohio Beauty Pageant, ran a dunk-em machine at the fair, and even sold trash can liners to raise money for community initiatives. Later, Stanley had transitioned to the Lion's Club. He participated in their annual Auction for Sight in 1976 to raise money for vision-related charities. Years later, the Rotary Club hosted the Lion's Club for their annual golf outing in 1987. Stanley participated in this event, showcasing his commitment to both organizations and their shared goal of serving the community.

Stanley was a driving force behind the United Appeal, which later became the United Way, in Clinton County. Starting in 1971, he served as the assistant drive chairman, helping to organize and lead the annual fundraising campaign. The following year, he took on the role of drive chairman, leading the campaign with a goal of $50,000. His dedication continued into the late 1970s when he served as president of the Clinton County United Way in 1975 and then again in 1980. His commitment to the United Way is evident in his continued leadership roles within the organization for almost a decade. His efforts demonstrate a strong desire to improve the lives of those in his community through these impactful organizations.

Stanley was a dedicated member of the Wilmington Rotary Club, serving as general chairman of the club's annual Arts and Crafts Show for several years. He believed in the Rotary Club's mission of public service and was proud of the club's contributions to the community, including scholarships for local high school graduates and funding for various community projects. Stanley was also a Paul Harris Fellow, a recognition bestowed upon members who have made significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation. This prestigious fellowship honors individuals who exemplify the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" and embodies the humanitarian and educational objectives of Rotary International.

Stanley was deeply committed to supporting the American Cancer Society. In addition to his participation in the golf tournament fundraiser, where his team won the Clinton County and Ohio tournaments to advance to the national championship in Miami, Florida, Stanley also served as the president of the local unit of the American Cancer Society. He was also a lay delegate for the local unit, indicating his active involvement in advocating for the organization's mission.

Stanley dedicated over 50 years to teaching Sunday school, including seven years leading a senior high school class with his wife at the Sabina Methodist Church and teaching adult Sunday school at the New Vienna United Methodist Church.

Stanley was honored for his over 20 years of service to the Clinton County Historical Society with the permanent title of Emeritus, Board Member on June 20, 2023. The Clinton County Historical Society is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and fundraising efforts, including from the United Way, an organization that Stanley dedicated much of his time to. This recognition highlights Stanley's lasting commitment to preserving and promoting the history of his community.

While Stanley was preceded in death by his parents and ten siblings, the depth of his connection with Georgialia transcended the boundaries of earthly relationships. He carried with him a profound sense of longing for a heavenly home, a place where their love could continue to blossom in eternity. This spiritual yearning was woven into the fabric of his life, shaping his dedication to faith, family, and community.

Stanley is survived by his wife, Georgialia, his children, Shawn (Lorraine) Hannah, Cynthia Hannah, Paul (Vanessa) Hannah, and Suzanne (Rich) Premo, and seven grandchildren.

Visitation for Stanley will be held on Saturday, January 4th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Faith in Christ Church (formerly the New Vienna United Methodist Church) at 11576 OH-28, New Vienna, Ohio 45159. The church service will follow from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and then a graveside service from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

In place of flowers, donations to Stanley's church would be greatly appreciated (the Faith in Christ Church).

** A selection of Stanley's Storyworth Answers

Storyworth is a service that helps people preserve memories and create a keepsake book by writing stories in response to weekly prompts. Here are a few selected from Stanley's writing.

Q: What is one of your favorite trips that you've taken? What made it memorable?

A: Our trip to Egypt and Israel was so enjoyable, to travel back in time, thousands of years, to view structures that have withstood the ravages of time, and still are so mind boggling.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories of your mother?

A: The love and concern mom had for each of her 9 children, regardless of their age and station in life.

Q: What was your first paying job? What do you remember most about it?

A: Baling hay on the landlord's farm. Very hot weather and dusty.

Q; Describe one of your most memorable birthdays.

A: My 80th birthday was very exciting, because so many loved ones appeared at a surprise party, at a fancy hotel in Columbus, Ohio

Q: What did you like about growing up in a big family with lots of siblings?

A: The fellowship and love of my family members provided daily challenges, and never ending support, and interest in life.

Q: You were the first to go to college in your family. What inspired you to do so?

A; My high school chemistry teacher pushed me to pursue higher studies in science and math, after my high scores in state testings.

Q: Have you ever won anything?

A: Won American Cancer Society golf tournament in Akron, Ohio, in 1987. Was a 4 man team event.

Q: What is your favorite sport and why do you love it?

A: Golf. Very difficult. Can play when older.

Q: What advice would you give your grandchildren?

A: Be honest, work hard, be frugal.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My children, their accomplishments and attitude is beyond the ordinary.