Dennis Hanna Jr.

Dennis Keith Hanna Jr. passed away on June 15, 2022.  He was born March 5, 1963, at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.  He traveled the world with his family as an Air Force brat to places such as Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Iran, Texas, Colorado, Mississippi and Hawaii.  Dennis attended Biloxi High School where he performed in the Indian Marching Band Drumline.   He later graduated from Radford High School in Honolulu before making his home back on the coast.

Dennis is preceded in death by his baby brother Ronald Patrick (Ron Ron), his beloved Aunt Lloydene and his faithful dog Hector…his “Wingman”.  He is survived by his best friend, the love of his life, Kathleen (Kat) Smith and their newest little constant companion, Maggie.  Along with his parents, Dennis K. Hanna Sr. and Diane Marie, siblings Teri Mitchell (Michael) and Alicia D. Peterson (Micheal), sister-in-law Margie Hanna and numerous niece’s, nephew’s, aunt’s, uncle’s, and cousins who adored him.  He was also “Grandpa” to Axton Moore.

Dennis was a pharmacy technician, with the majority of his career proudly serving veterans and military families at Keesler Air Force Base.  He was thought highly of and requested by many “could we see the gentleman with the ponytail”.   During his tenure at the Keesler Medical Center Pharmacy, he received 18 Preceptor Awards for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the training classes rotating through the medical center.  He also received special commendation coins for professional excellence and for recognition on receiving the most awards in a row than any other technician.

Dennis loved life and spending time with his family and friends. He spoke or visited with his parents daily, he was his mother’s favorite casino buddy. He was also an avid reader, Science Fiction fan and almost unbeatable trivia buff due to his ‘hard to match’ memory of details and overall knowledge from reading his favorite books and life experiences.  He loved to travel and also take late night rides in his truck.  Music was threaded through every aspect of his life.  His love of music started very young with the gift of a small transistor radio from his parents.  He could recite lists of songs and names of artists and band members from any album he ever enjoyed.  Dennis met Kat in 1977 in the drumline at Fernwood Jr High and their first date was the Electric Light Orchestra concert at the Coast Coliseum.  After reconnecting and starting a life together their mutual love of books and music formed a special bond quickly.  He loved to attend live concerts and find new artists to experience.  Their last date night out was the KISS concert in Biloxi thanks to a musical gift from his parents once again.

The family requests your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.  A visitation and celebration of life will be held at the Reimann’s Funeral Home, Lemoyne Blvd on Thursday, June 23rd from 5-7pm.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., in West Jackson County is proudly serving the Hanna family.  Share memories, condolences and photos at www.riemannfamily.com