Dean Hanning

Dean Hanning is survived by his wife Tricia Hanning; daughters: Valerie Christopher (Steve), Julie Dwyer (Doug), Angie Hanning-McGuire (Rich), Gayla Story (Chris); sons: Bryan Hanning (Cindy), David Hanning (Tracy); sisters: Beverly Wenig and Carol Sue Rousselo; sisters-in-law: Dixie Telander (Tom), Melanie Schreff; brother-in-law: Joel Robinson (Sigrid); 12 Grandchildren and 22 Great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine Tate and George Hanning; Ben and Dorothy Belle Robinson (parents-in-law); Jay Wenig (brother in-law); Fred Schreff (brother in-law); Donna Lemon (sister-in-law) and Vern Lemon (brother-in-law)

Dean worked for many years in the car business with his father-in-law, Ben Robinson, at the Buick dealership on east Douglas and ended his working career as a sales-manager selling auto parts for Federal Warehouse. He loved traveling to meet with customers and training the sales staff. 

Also known as "Jr." by his family while growing up, he was a quiet, reserved person, but also fun-loving, as evidenced by photos of high school activities with Tricia while dating. He was a hard worker, diligent to provide for his wife and six children. He and Tricia enjoyed many reunions with high school friends over the decades. Dean loved family reunions as well and always loved seeing his grandchildren, showing the tender side of his personality increasingly during his retirement years. He tended his backyard garden with great satisfaction and loved to share the produce with anyone interested. He enjoyed manicuring his lawn and enjoyed sixty years of living in the same home on East 10th Street next to many great neighbors who became close friends. 

During years of growing his large family, it seemed like Dean would get a new boat every year. He would drive for hours, allowing the family to ski and tube on vacations at lakes in Oklahoma and Missouri. He enjoyed occasional golf outings, fishing, and drinking a good glass of wine while watching his great-grandkids play and swim. But the most important memory we have as a family is his most recent confession of Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior just a few months before his life ended on earth. Over these last few months, it was comforting to hear his uncharacteristic spiritual personality develop at the end of his days as he became reminiscent and intent on sharing his deep feelings with each of us. He was so grateful for all the little things people did for him and Mom. We give thanks to God for the grace He showered on our dear Dad. 

Besides coming to faith at a ripe old age, he would tell you one of his major achievements in life was that he was married to Tricia (Robinson) Hanning for nearly seventy years. What a testament to devotion and love they showed to one another. The family gives thanks for God's grace in the example they led for us with their lives. Our dad was able to finish the race well! 

Dad was most appreciative for the love and support he received for this last year of his life from so many family and friends, and was incredibly appreciative of the Phoenix Hospice nurses and doctors and Regent Park staff who helped him in so many ways during assisted living. Dean was a quiet and simple man who loved hearing a good joke rather than telling one. It was fun to make him laugh even when he was suffering so much. This last year he was asked, "What are you going to miss most?" He replied, "Relationships!", choking up and misty eyed as he said it. Isn’t it fitting that he came to know the greatest relationship that matters in life when he professed his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 12th, 2024, at 89.5 years old. Rest in peace Dad! We love you and we will miss you. 

A memorial has been established in Dean’s name with East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67218.