Walter Dana Hanby
Walter Dana Hanby, 69, of Dickinson, TX, passed away May 30, 2014, in Nassau Bay. He was born September 12, 1944 to Dana Thornton and Alice Louise Hanby. Walter retired from NASA where he was a physicist/engineer. He was also a member of Mensa. Walter was preceded in death by his parents Dana Thorton Hanby and Alice Hanby Bishop.
Walter is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Charlene Hanby; daughter, Jessica Lee Hanby; and son Brian Daniels Hanby and his wife, Rai.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 7, 2014, 3:00 pm, at Friendswood Friends Church, 502 S. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546
I met Walter in the seventh grade and we became good friends – we were good friends thru Jr. High and High School. He was my first roommate at The University of Texas. He was one of the smartest and kindest people that I have ever known. The final line from the movie “STAND BY ME” is very true – ” I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?”
Although we have only seen each other three times in the last thirty years, I still consider him a close friend and I know I will miss him for the rest of my life.
My deepest condolences to Wanda, Jessica, and Brian
Please accept my condolences.
We will not be able to attend the celebration on Saturday, but would like to pay our respects and thoughts to the family. Our lives were blessed to have crossed paths with Walter. Love and prayers to the family.
Condolences and prayers for peace of heart for Walter’s loving family. As a single mother at my first good job, I met Walter in 1974 when I worked for Lockheed. Those were rocky times for me at 22 trying to adjust to a culture of intense, analytical engineers while learning to be a grown up, working mom. Walter stood apart in his kindness and quiet sense of humor. I looked forward to the lightness he brought into the room. Although I do not know his daughter, I got to know Brian, a good friend of my son Bill. Walter’s way of making people feel accepted and
appreciated lives on in Brian. A quality individual has moved on and waits for us just around the corner.
Although Walter and I attended Clear Creek High School together, it was many years later when I really got to know him. I so enjoyed the family get togethers, movies on Sunday afternoon, attending family events, and conversations with Walter. He was a most amazing person. I loved hearing his stories and tales of his adventures. Besides being absolutely brilliant…..he was also so kind-hearted. He always had a smile and caring word for everyone. Even though he is gone in his physical form, his values and love will live on in the hearts of those who love him. Wanda, Jessica, and Brian….I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days to come.