Willard Hanshew

Major General Willard E. Hanshew (ret.), 90 of Zionsville Indiana, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 9th with family at his side. He was born to Cyril and Goldie May Hanshew May 24, 1922 in Tipton IN. He graduated from Sharpsville High in 1941 and enlisted into the United States Army. A veteran of WWII, his combat service included the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns where he earned the Distinguished Service Medal and a Bronze Star. He returned home to wed his wife of sixty-five years Norma Jean Hanshew. Earning a Master's Degree in Education Administration from IU in 1950, he was committed to a life of learning and teaching others. He worked as an administrator at IUPUI in Indianapolis for over thirty years and he retired as the Commanding General of the 70th Army Reserve Division in 1981. General Hanshew was a 66 year member of Millersville Masonic Lodge No. 126; a member of the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite where he was crowned a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, an honorary degree given for long or exceptional service to mankind and/or Freemasonry. General Hanshew earned the rank of Eagle Scout December 8, 1939 as part of Troop 96 in Sharpsville, IN. As an Eagle Scout, he dedicated much of his adult life to the Scouting movement believing in its ability to mold the character of our community's youth. In 1994 he received the North Star District's, Crossroads of America Award of Merit. His love for fishing and gardening was trumped only by his love for family and friends. Major General Hanshew's kindness and generosity knew no limits and he will be missed by many. His beloved wife Norma; his son, Mark; and great granddaughter, Shaila, preceded him in death. General Hanshew is survived by his two sisters, Mary Edmonds and Luella Harmon; his son Willard E. Hanshew Jr.; his grandchildren, Troy, Tracy and Trevor, great-grandchildren Sarah, Celisa, Tori, Alexa, Rebecca, Daniel, Zander, Krista and Kayla as well as numerous great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Flanner and Buchanan-Zionsville with Masonic Rites and an Honorary 33rd Degree tribute beginning at 7 pm. A service of celebration will be held 10 am, Friday, September 14, 2012 also at Flanner and Buchanan-Zionsville. Burial with military honors will follow at Zionsville Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Julia Wenjere, his home health aide and the staff at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Lebanon IN. for your dedicated service and for always treating him with kindness, dignity and respect. In lieu of flowers or donations, we would encourage you to pick up a phone or pen and reach out to those you may have lost touch with. Time is our most precious commodity, spend it wisely. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan