Bruce Ernest Hansen

Bruce was born on Nov. 7, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away on Jan. 23, 2018 in Oklahoma City. He received many degrees in Education including a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Engineering Management. He also earned a degree in Professional Engineering for Architects and Land Surveyors in the State of Missouri. Bruce joined the "family business" (the military) as had all of his siblings, in the footsteps of their father, and worked hard to earn the rank of Lt. Colonel for United States Air Force and United States Air National Guard. He was a Commander of the 139th Civil Engineering Squadron in the Missouri Air National Guard and a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding professional skill, management and sustained superior performance. Lt. Colonel Hansen received a certificate of appreciation for service in the Armed Forces of the United States from Commander In Chief George Bush. After retiring from his military service, Bruce continued to serve the United States at the U.S. Dept. of Transportation. Upon retirement from the Dept. of Transportation in 2011, he received honors and recognition of his 30 years of service to the people of the United States of America. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Lilly Hansen; and sister in law, Vickie. Survivors include Leslie, his bride of 17 years; his sister, Joan; brothers, Scott (wife Diane) and Larry; stepson, Paul (wife Michelle), and two granddaughters, Clare and Ellison; nephew, Ryan (wife Sara), nieces, Amy (husband Tony), Leslie (husband Andrew) and Lauren (husband Dillon); grand nieces, Audrey Grace and Nora; grand nephews, Alex and Miles, along with many loving extended family members and friends. A Celebration of Bruce's Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2pm, at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home. Please bring a smile and warmth in your heart. Special thanks go to the staff of Storey Oaks Memory Care and Emerald Hospice for the outstanding care Bruce received. The family is also thankful to the members of the Alzheimer's Association Caregivers Support Group for their friendship and comfort to Leslie. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or the cause of your choice. "When you arise in the morning think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love". - Marcus Aurelius