Francis Hansen

Francis Eugene Hansen, 88, Lee’s Summit, MO passed away Friday, March 7, 2014.

Francis Eugene Hansen was the youngest of five children of John A. and Annie L. Rasmussen Hansen. He was born on October 30, 1925, in Weston, Iowa. He attended elementary school in a small single room school house. He graduated from the Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in January, 1944. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army for service in World War II. He served in the 69th Infantry Division, entering combat in the European Theater of Operations, and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, and two battle stars. He graduated from Graceland College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Pre-Business. He then entered the University of Kansas, majoring in Business Administration, graduating in June, 1950. Following graduation, he was employed at the home office of Mutual of Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska, serving as a claim service representative.

He was married to Wanda Ann Hoss in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on August 20, 1949. They were blessed with two children, Blair Eugene and Cheryl Faye. After 54 years of marriage, his beloved Wanda passed away in 2003. Having been reared in an active church family, he was involved in the life of the church from childhood. He was baptized in 1935 as a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (known now as Community of Christ). He served as a self-sustaining minister for the church in a variety of capacities. In 1954, he and Wanda accepted World Church appointment and relocated from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Independence, Missouri, where he served as an assistant to the Presiding Bishopric. In 1956, the family was assigned to Los Angeles, California, where he served as Bishop of the Los Angeles Stake and Hawaii District. In 1966, he was called into the Presiding Bishopric as a counselor to the Presiding Bishop. At that time, the family relocated to the headquarters of the church in Independence, Missouri. In 1972, he was ordained Presiding Bishop. As a general officer, he traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally. He was listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in Religion. He served as a member of the corporate body of the Independence Regional Health Center and Outreach International. In addition, he served on several boards: Independence Regional Health Center as chair and treasurer, member and secretary of the Truman Forest Pharmacy Board, Independence Chamber of Commerce, Restoration Trail Foundation, and the Independence Rotary Club. He was a member of Rotary International and was a Paul Harris Fellow. After 22 years of service in the Presiding Bishopric, he was released from service in 1988 and was ordained an evangelist. He retired from World Church appointment in 1989 after 35 years of service. During his retirement years, he served as secretary of the Order of Evangelists, coordinator of the Temple Ambassador Corps of volunteers, a member and treasurer of the Independence Advisory Council of the Salvation Army, a member and treasurer of the Groves Auxiliary Board, and a member of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board.

While serving as treasurer of the Groves Auxiliary Board, he became reacquainted with Marjorie Stowell, whom he had previously known from his Graceland College days. They enjoyed a long and meaningful relationship for many years which filled a void in each of their lives. He is survived by his son, Blair, (wife Sugin), his daughter Cheryl, (husband Scott Sinclair), grandson John Hansen, (wife Christy), two granddaughters, Gina Hansen and Cheryl Ann Hansen, one great grandson, Caleb Hansen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at Speaks Suburban Chapel; 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Good Shepherd Community of Christ; 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd; Kansas City, MO 64133. Interment will follow at Mound Grove Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, contribution to Outreach International is suggested. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)