Obituary of Paul Russell Hanson

Paul Russell Hanson ~“Anyone can do anything they want if they want to bad enough”

Paul Russell Hanson, age 85, of St. Petersburg, Florida, peacefully passed away on May 21, 2023. Paul, aka Grandpa, could build, fix and create almost anything. From an early age he always had or created some kind of job. Never one to sit around and twiddle his thumbs, Paul sold eggs, did farm work, drove a coal truck, fixed appliances, repaired cars and even owned and operated a local gas station in Ohio. His uncanny ability to fix almost any engine or tool will be missed by family and friends. Paul was born in Amesville, Ohio on November 29, 1937 to William and Alma Hanson. He graduated from Ames Bern High School in 1955. He then went on to attend Ohio University and St. Petersburg Junior College. As a young man, Paul also chose to enlist in the United States Army in 1961 where he proudly served until he was Honorably Discharged in 1967. On January 8, 1977 Paul married the love of his life, Ann Elizabeth Stephens. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage and spent time both at home in St. Petersburg and Franklin, NC where they had a mountain cabin Paul carefully built with his own bare hands. Paul joined the St. Petersburg Police Department in 1963 where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Paul demonstrated leadership, proficiency and earned the respect of his fellow officers within the department and received several certificates of merit, including the Ned March award for Outstanding Accomplishments and Improving Police Dept Operations. He retired in 1983. After retiring from the police force is when Paul really had time to spend on his “hobbies” that most of us would consider as professionally trained jobs! He owned and operated P.R. Hanson’s Bobcat Excavation Service where he prepped many lots of land for homes and businesses. He also became a member of the American Legion Bucketeers, and the St.Petersburg Retired Police Officer Association. To demonstrate his pride for his son, Paul also became President of the West Point Parents Club. In his spare time, Paul also continued to build and repair car engines, add rooms and porches onto his homes, and with a sparkle in his eyes, he would climb up REALLY high in trees cutting limbs while smiling and waving to the camera. Paul is survived by his wife Ann, his only son Travis (Amy) of Georgetown, TX, Nephews John (Missy) Hanson of Marietta, OH, Ozzie Sabina of Atlanta, GA, Greg Sabina of St. Petersburg, FL, Niece Angela Fulton of Mt Vernon, OH, and Grandchildren Hailey Hanson and Nick Hanson of Georgetown, TX. He will also be deeply missed by his furry canine companions Emma Lee and Eula Bea. Paul is preceded in death by his Parents, William and Alma Hanson and Brother Keith Hanson. Services will be held on Friday, June 23rd at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home in St. Petersburg. The family will welcome guests at 11:30 A.M. for an informal gathering, and then a 12:30 P.M. Memorial Service with a reception on the premises to follow. The family wishes to thank Suncoast Hospice for their attentiveness and professionalism. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Suncoast Hospice at www.suncoasthospicefoundation.org or (727) 523-2441.