Dr. Harman Mitchell “Mitch” Hanna, Jr. was born September 19, 1946 in Lycoming County Pennsylvania and departed this life on June 20, 2021 at John Knox Village Hospice at the age of 74 years, 9 months and 1 day.
He was the son of Harman Mitchell Hanna, Sr. and Hazel Keturah (Reynolds) Hanna.
Mitch spent his younger years in California and Pennsylvania, graduating from North Penn High School in Landsdale, Pennsylvania in 1964. He then attended Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before transferring to Northwest Missouri State University to finish his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Mitch graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1968. He later obtained his Master’s Degree in Education from Northwest Missouri State University and then his Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Missouri, Columbia.
On September 7, 1968 Mitch was united in marriage with Marilyn Jean Chavannes in Des Moines, Iowa. After their marriage they made their home in Maryville, Missouri. Mitch proudly served his country in The United States Army in Vietnam. After his Honorable Discharge from the United States Army on July 1, 1974, Mitch returned to Missouri, and he and Marilyn moved to Savannah, Missouri where Mitch took the position of Vice-Principal of Savannah High School. They next moved to Maryville, Missouri where Mitch served as Principal of Maryville High School for 3 years before moving to King City, Missouri where he was the Superintendent of Schools for four years. In 1984, the Hanna family moved to Pleasant Hill, Missouri where Mitch served as Superintendent of the Pleasant Hill R-3 School District until his retirement in 2001. Mitch and Marilyn continued to make their home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri until 2019 when they moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Mitch had served on the Board of Trustees for Cass County Regional Medical Center and had been a member of the Missouri Association of School Administrators and the Pleasant Hill Planning and Zoning Committee. He was a member of V.F.W. Post #3118 of Pleasant Hill and a former member of the Pleasant Hill Optimist Club. Mitch attended the United Methodist Church of Pleasant Hill, Missouri.
Mitch loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them, especially his grandchildren. In his leisure time, Mitch enjoyed hunting, woodworking, sailing, driving his Miata convertible, traveling and hosting get-togethers for family and friends.
Mitch was preceded in death by his father, Harman Mitchell Hanna, Sr. and his mother, Hazel (Reynolds) Phillips.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn Jean Hanna of the home; one son, Adam Hanna and wife Miranda of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; one daughter Christen Hanna of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two grandchildren, Charlee Jo Hanna and James Mitchell Hanna both of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; step-father, George Phillips of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania; sister, Sandy Hanna of Marion Station, Maryland; half-sister, Mary Beth Polinski and husband Dave of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Dick Chavannes and wife Nancy of Des Moines, Iowa; nieces nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.
Cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the United Methodist Church Community Life Center, 1300 Lexington Road, Pleasant Hill, Missouri. The family suggests contributions, “In Memory of Harman Mitchell “Mitch” Hanna, Jr.” to Village Hospice, 1001 NW Chipman Road, Suite 237, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64081.
10 Messages
Sorty for your loss
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mitch was truly a remarkable man with a remarkable wife and family. I remember the days as he guided my sons, Scott and Brian Todd through their school years. Mitch and Marilyn left an everlasting positive impression with our family. May he rest in peace and may your family find comfort knowing that he is with his Master above. Love always, David Todd
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Harman M. Hanna, Jr., give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Army Veteran, Harman M. Hanna, Jr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Our sympathy and Prayers
Mitch was always a person who worked for the people while in Pleasant Hill as superintendent. Always looked at as sincere and devoted to his mission. A friend for sure. May the peace of Christ be with the Hanna family, I know he will be missed..
Mitch was a good man enjoyed getting to know him.. Great for the community with his involvement, he will be greatly missed. My heart felt prayers for the family in this time of sorrow, may the grace of Christ be with you.
Great Educator. Great leader, Great Superintendent, Great Bearcat! Loved to watch him throw the Javelin in College! You will be missed by many! Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat!!!
The saying:”It takes a village to raise a child” is very true. The village also needs a professional educator to help lead the effort. The “educational team” which includes teachers, counselors, bus drivers, cooks, janitors, administrators, and school board members was superbly led by Mitch for 17 years. Our village owes Mitch a huge huge “Thank You” for his tireless efforts for our children and community.
One of the great honors of my life was being a school board member during Mitch’s career. We had our disagreements but always knew the “villages’ children” had to come first.
Marilyn, Christen, and Adam we share in your loss. You have our compassion and sympathy during this trying time. We are here for you.
Mitch, old buddy, you fought the battles, enjoyed life, Rest in Peace My Friend.
RC and Judy Ebert
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