Eric Karl Hanson

Eric Karl Hanson, 52, died on January 14, 2009, but not before passing on a legacy of virtues that has touched and changed the lives of the people he knew. Eric was born on August 22, 1956, in Midland, Texas. He graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1978. Upon graduation, he worked for Pennzoil in Houston, Texas, and in Bradford, Pennsylvania. In 1981, he left Pennzoil to join the Hanson Corporation in Midland, where he served as an independent landman for 16 years. Eric joined Hanley Petroleum Inc. in 1997, where he served as President and General Manager.

Eric loved the land profession and served it faithfully. He was a member of the Permian Basin Landmen's Association (PBLA) and served in many capacities before becoming the president for the 1988-89 term. He headed up the effort to start the PBLA Skeet Shoot that is now in its 27th year. Eric continued his service nationally in the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) serving as the president for the 2000-01 term. He played a key role in the formation and success of NAPE (North American Prospect Expo). Eric was awarded AAPL Landman of the Year in 2007.

Eric's community service work included serving on the vestry of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity as well as volunteer work with the American Heart Association and the Buffalo Trail Council for the Boy Scouts of America. Eric served as president of the board of the Petroleum Club of Midland in 2005, president of the board of the Midland Children's Rehabilitation Center in 2008, and served on the Hillander School Board of Directors from 2006 to 2009. Eric served on the committee to select the Bruno Hanson/Midland College Award for Environmental Excellence, an award named in honor of Eric's late father.

Eric is survived by his wife Janet Hanson, and children Harris, Mary Lisbeth ("M.L."), Kathryn, and Kristen ("K.K."). He was preceded in death by his father, Bernold ("Bruno") Hanson, and is survived by his mother, Marilyn Hanson; sister Gretchen Bakke and her husband, James; sister Karen Hanson-Flowers and her husband Joe; mother-in-law Joan Dudding and her husband, Howard; brother-in-law Mark Russell and his wife, Yolanda; nephews John Bakke and his wife Dusty, and William Wallace ("Liam") Russell; and nieces Elysse Burrow Denton and her husband Keith; Harriet Burrow, and Rebecca Flowers.

Eric was known for his uncompromising values and his willingness to serve. He was a true gentleman, an Eagle Scout, and his word was his bond. Eric's courage throughout his life and especially during his battle with cancer has been a testimony to his unwavering faith in the Lord. By God's grace, we see Eric's strong character traits personified in all four of his children. Eric will be missed by all, but will live on through the lives of those who knew him.

Honorary Pallbearers are Wayne Bissett, Brett Bracken, Clay Cornett, Lee Hanley, Allen Harvey, Leon Hirsch, Bob Hodge, Albert Metcalfe, Earl Michie, Frank McCabe, James McCord, Jim Newman, Willis Price, Charles Ray, John Michael Richardson, Steve Scribner, Roger Soape, and Cullum Thompson.

A family graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Resthaven Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church, 800 West Texas Avenue, Midland Texas, with Dr. Steve Schorr officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midland Children's Rehabilitation Center, 802 Ventura, Midland, Texas 79702, or High Sky Children's Ranch, 8701 W. County Rd. 60, Midland, Texas 79707.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.