IN MEMORY

OF

RICHARD HANSING 

December 10, 1939 – October 5, 2010

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       Richard Kretzschmar Hansing, 70, born December 10, 1939, Ithaca, NY, the son of Earl D. Hansing and Gertrude (Kretzschmar) Hansing, passed away at his home in Ridgecrest, CA, Tuesday, October 5, 2010.  His mother died shortly after his birth; he was raised by several aunts and uncles until his father married Josephine Lister in 1940 the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Lister of Wamego, who at one time owned "The Wamego Times" newspaper.  He spent his youth at Manhattan, KS graduating from Manhattan High School in 1958.

     Richard married Carol Songs, daughter of Chester and Bernadine (Niedfeldt) Songs in Manhattan, KS on May 24, 1960, and they divorced in 1999.  They had two children, Kenneth Richard and Kimberly Carol.

     Richard joined the United States Navy in July of 1959 and retired in March of 1979 at NWC China Lake, CA.  He served at the following locations as well, VP-18, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL, 1960-1963; Meridian, MS 1963-1966; VX-7 and VX-13 1966-1969, Sanford, FL and aboard the USS Enterprise and USS American respectfully with those squadrons; Naval Air Station, Albany, GA 1969; Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, FL 1969-1972; Naval Air Support Unit at Marine Corp Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, 1972-1975; NAS Lemoore[, ]CA 1975-1978; and Naval Weapons Center China Lake, CA 1978-1979.  He was a Viet Nam veteran.

     His rate was a Parachute Rigger later renamed Air Crew Survival Equipmentman and advanced to the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7). He attended both A & B School at Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, NJ.  During his military career he received the Good Conduct Award (Five), Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Commendation (Gallantry Cross).

     After retirement he worked as a civilian on NWC China Lake, as an electrician, Engineering Tech, and at Warhead Testing.  He had accumulated 177 hours in Aerospace Engineering at USC.  In 1988 he and Carol moved to Wabaunsee County, KS and gave raising beef cattle a try on their 160 acre farm.  In 1997 they returned to Ridgecrest.

     Richard enjoyed skeet shooting and in 1972 was Florida State Champion in 12 gauge two-man team and was 73 in the World averages in 12 gauge that year with 981/1000 targets.  After moving to Ridgecrest he enjoyed desert racing motorcycles with his son and daughter.  He raced motorcycles professionally and finished the Parker 400, Baja 500 (3 times); San Felipe 250 and Mexicali 250.  He attempted the Baja 1000 in 1981.  He also enjoyed reading books and spending time with his family.

     He is survived by his son, Kenneth R. Hansing and wife, Heather, of Tehachapi,CA and daughter Kimberly Johns and husband, Jim Johns, of Ridgecrest, CA.  Grandchildren include Michael A. Ramirez, Ridgecrest, CA; Nathan C. Hansing, El Segundo, CA; Monika B. Hansing, Rosemond, CA; and Sierra G. Haynes, Ridgecrest, CA; Tory Kinnard, Bakersfield, CA and his son Jordin Elliot Taylor, Phoenix, AZ, and his former wife, Carol Hansing of Ridgecrest, CA.

     He is also survived by his brothers, Dr. Charles D. Hansing and wife Ruth, of Seattle, WA; Dr. Ronald L. Hansing and wife, Elizabeth of Columbia, MO; Dr. Gerald (Mac) Hansing and Isabelle of Portsmouth, OH, and sister, Lynn Hansing of Salida, CO, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

     Richard is at peace now.  He was a delightful storyteller and a comforting listener. He'll be missed tremendously by his family.  Cremation has taken place, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, at All Faith's Chapel, NAWS China Lake, CA and a celebration of life to follow.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Disabled Veterans Association (DAV) or the charity of choice of donors.

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2 Comments »

1. 

   I was very sorry to hear of Richards passing.  It sounds like he led a very full and happy life.  He will be missed.

   Comment by Linda Estes Pears — November 8, 2010 @ 7:51 PM

2. 

    
   Richard had carried with him for 51 years the story of comforting Jean VanValkenburg as she lay injured in a wrecked car and her life ebbed away. In verifying and clarifying his memories, I had occasion to talk with him on the telephone in 2008. He struck me as a gracious, religious person who was proud of his achievements in the service and most proud of his family. His life was a credit to our class and I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him.
   Kathy

   Comment by Kathy (Bryson) Pizar — November 9, 2010 @ 8:41 AM

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