Roger Hansel

Roger V. Hansel, was a devoted husband and father. He put his family first and tried to make a better life for them than he had growing up. He attended Catholic schools in Cincinnati and graduated from Roger Bacon High School in Ohio, where he excelled.

He met Pam when she was 13 years old and he was 16 at Angelo’s Pizza Parlor in Cincinnati. She told him on that day “when I grow up I am going to marry you.” They did get married and were for 49 years and had six kids.

Roger had worked in real estate and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school as an aircraft mechanic working on SR 71 and U2, received his commission then went to OTS in San Antonio, Texas, in 1985 and became a personnel officer. He earned his bachelor’s degree while enlisted and later earned his master’s degree from Golden Gate University. Through his determination and hard work, he moved up in ranks to captain. 

He spent a lot of time working on the Freedom of Information Act, which he personally developed several policies. He served 20 years in the air force, retired, then spent some years teaching at universities in Kentucky and Indiana. He was always willing to help others learn. He had patience and took the time to make sure his pupils understood the material. He mentored to people in the military as well as helping civilians to better themselves by finding them work. He worked multiple times for the VA, where he was determined to not let veterans slip through the cracks. He always stuck to his values, and was an amazing role model to his kids. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed debating issues. He was always happy to tell you why he was right.

He will be truly missed by those who got to know him. He had a powerful impact on everyone he met. If you were his friend you were his friend for life.

Surviving are his wife Pamela (Owens) Hansel of Portland; four daughters, Phyllis Hansel of Eaton, Nicole King (husband: Steve) of Arizona, Crystal Jackson (husband: Craig) of Oklahoma and Amanda Graley (husband: Josh) of Albany; two brothers, Patrick McMann (wife: Patty) of Ohio and Mark Hansel (wife: Cecelia) of Florida; two sisters Kim Pridemore (husband: Mike) of Texas and Nancy Holcomb of Ohio; eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sons Billy and Roger Hansel II; and his mother Patricia Hansel.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow in the Salamonia Cemetery with military graveside rites by American Legion Post #211.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Condolences can be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.