Merrill "Dean" Hanson

Merrill “Dean” Hanson, 88 of Middletown passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the Waters of Middletown. He was born on November 18, 1936, a son to the late Marion and Thelma Hanson.

Dean was a 1956 Middletown High School graduate. He played basketball 4 years and ran track. Dean loved his family and always took care of his mom and grandmother. He retired after 33 years as a millwright from Guide Lamp. Dean was an Army veteran he was stationed in Korea. He was a member of the Middletown Methodist Church for over 70 years and enjoyed his role of leading the men’s group. He loved cooking in the kitchen at church dinners. For over 50 years, he was a dedicated member of the Lions Club and always enjoyed working at the Middletown Fair. Dean loved to play golf, sometimes he would play 7 days a week.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Bonita (Sears); children, David and Denise of Middletown; nephew, Chad Malloy of Jeffersonville; brother, Larry (Joyce) Hanson; brother-in-law, Dennis (Karen) Gooding, sisters-in-law, Judy Martt and Mary Sears; grandchildren, Daniel (Alicia) Hanson of Yorktown, Brittany (Gary) Elleman of Anderson; the light of his life, great grandchildren, Cameron Elleman, Paisley Hanson, Kendell Elleman and Avery Hanson.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Shersten Hanson.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown with Pastor Tim Glidden officiating. Burial to follow in Miller Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home and from 12:00 pm until the time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Middletown Lions Club at 135 S. 5th Street, Middletown, IN 47356 or Alzheimer’s Association 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

You may express condolences or share a memory of Dean at www.ballardandsons.com