Jerry Lee Hanson, age 73, of Branson, Missouri.

Jerry Lee Hanson, age 73, of Branson, Missouri, passed away on June 10, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri. Jerry was born September 10, 1950, in Austin, Minnesota, the fifth child of Gordon Roland and Florence Irene (Lange) Hanson. He graduated from Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, California and joined the Merchant Marines on his 18th birthday, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and on to a lifetime of love for the sea. He attended the Calhoun Marine Engineering School in Baltimore, Maryland and earned a certificate as a Marine Engineer 3rd Class, unlimited tonnage. He shipped out on many Chevron oil tankers before settling down in Tacoma, Washington.

He worked for W.E. Stone, a commercial refrigeration company, for many years and met his soulmate, Patricia (Pat) Lynne McQueary in Dutch Harbor, Alaska in 1991 and after a very long engagement, were officially married on February 10, 2001, in Stevenson, Washington. Jerry lived in Oakville, Washington for many years, before moving to Yakima, Washington and working for his final employer – Doubl-kold from 2000-2008. In October of 2008, Jerry retired and followed Pat to St. George, Utah. Eventually, their travels took them to Bismarck, North Dakota, and then to Branson, Missouri in September of 2021.

Jerry was a very special husband, father, son, and friend to many people. His smile was infectious, and he loved life. Jerry loved road trips, whether on his Harley Davidson or in his Ford Truck, he traveled all over the U.S. One of his favorite trips was taking his daughter, Ember to the Statue of Liberty and going up all those stairs to the top.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Gordon and Florence Hanson; older brother, Gordon Roland Hanson, Jr.; and son, Brian Hanson of Olympia, Washington.

Jerry is survived by his soulmate and wife of 33 years, Patricia (Pat) McQueary; daughter, Ember Hanson of Branson, Missouri; daughter, Jymmie Lynne (Jeff) Reed of Centralia, Washington; son, James (Kristin) Hanson of Roy, Washington; and daughter, Rosina (Josh) Smith of The Dalles, Oregon. He is also survived by his sisters: Patricia (Steve) Frymire, Marilyn (Leo) Hunwardsen, and Audrey Hanson; brother, James (Karen) Hanson of Grants Pass; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews along with many close friends.

No memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mercy Health Foundation (https://give.mercyhealthfoundation.net/) or Branson United Methodist Church (1208 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616). Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.