Arthur W. Hannen

Arthur W. Hannen, 91, of Washington, died Friday, January 21, 2005, in Donnell House, Washington. He had been ill since December 30, 2004. He was born December 27, 1913, in Washington, a son of John Norman and Mary Essie Rush Hannen. Mr. Hannen graduated from Washington High School, where he played trombone in the school band. He grew up loving music and his life was devoted to leading, organizing and sharing the sounds of "Big Band Music" played by the Art Hannen Band, which he formed in the late 1930s. He was a 50-year member of American Federation of Musicians. On December 6, 2004, he directed his band at a Christmas program at Washington County Health Center, Washington. Mr. Hannen joined Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church in 1953, where he installed and operated the sound system and served on several committees. In 1978, he retired as superintendent of the packing department at Hazel-Atlas Plant 1. He was a charter member at Cameron Wellness Center and enjoyed being active there. Mr. Hannen loved to feed the squirrels and was devoted to caring for his cats, Molly, Sweet Pea and Sassy. On April 20, 1935, in First Methodist Church, Washington, he married Laura Burroughs, who survives. They shared 69 years of marriage. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Lt. Timothy Hannen of Tennessee, Mary Laura and Scott Hannen, both of Louisiana, and Bobbi Jo Hannen of Alabama; and great-grandchildren, Shannen and Robin Miller and Eliot Wood, all of Alabama. Deceased are two sons, Robert and William Hannen; and a brother, Larry Hannen. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the hour of service, Sunday, January 23, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with the Rev. John Hoffman officiating. Entombment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church or Washington Area Humane Society.