Donald R. Hansen

DONALD R. HANSEN Donald R. Hansen, 90, of Sebring, FL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 9, 2011. He died at his home surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on August 17, 1920, in Tampa, Florida, to Albert and Annie Hansen. Don was raised in Tampa, where he attended Plant High School and was an outstanding football player and track star. He attended Rollins College on a football scholarship. Don spent four years in the United States Marine Corps during WW II, where he participated in track and football, as a player, and coach of the Cherry Point Marine Track Team as part of the war bond drive. Don and his wife, Alice, moved to Sebring in 1949. He was a football and baseball coach and teacher of Social Studies, Family Living and Drivers Education at Sebring High School. He was promoted to the Highlands County School Board Office as Supervisor of Health, Physical Education and Drivers Education. He then went to the Florida Department of Education as a State Consultant in Health, Physical Education and Drivers Education. He retired after serving the youth of Florida for 35 years. Over the years, Don volunteered and was actively involved in many children related activities, including being the founder and coach of Blue, White and Gold Youth Football and Little League President and Board Member. Don coached, taught and mentored hundreds of young men and women in his 90 years. Don was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He was extremely dedicated to environmental causes in the State of Florida. He served on the Florida State Marine Fisheries Commission, the University of Florida Council of Advisors for Natural Resources and the State Board for Fishery Hatcheries. He received the Environmental Action Award from the Tampa Frank Sargeant Boat Show, as well as numerous other environmental awards from other organizations. Don was a lifetime member of the Sebring Firemen, Inc., whose main focus is on the betterment of all phases of youth sports in Sebring. Don is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Alice; daughters, Becky (Dave) Travers, Sebring and Corinne Capps, St. Petersburg, FL; sons, Donnie Jet Hansen, Sebring; Charlie (Pam) Hansen, Avon Park and Dennis (Elizabeth) Hansen, Lakeland, FL; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Albert C. (Carolyn) Hansen, Gainesville, FL. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack. A Memorial Service will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, with Dr. Eugene Bengtson officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sebring Firemen, Inc. Don Hansen Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1981, Sebring, FL 33871. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida 33870 863-385-0125 www.stephensonnelsonfh.com