Ralph Wayne Hansen

Ralph Wayne Hansen, a longtime Gulf Coast resident, passed away on May 13, 2012, in Biloxi, at the age of 88.
He retired from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of major and had trained as a pilot during World War II and served in the Korean War as a cargo pilot based in Japan. Upon his return to Korea in the 1960s, he oversaw the installation of sensitive radar equipment in domes all over the county, for which he received the Air Force Commendation Medal. He also flew missions in Europe, Africa, Canada, and Alaska. After a distinguished career in the Air Force as a pilot and electronics specialist, he retired to Gulfport in 1970.
After retirement, he was known across the Gulf Coast as the owner and operator of Ralph's Electronic Service, although he never advertised. He was a lifetime member of the Star Twirlers square dance club and served as its president and program director. He was a member of the Tick Tock Rounders round dance group, and was an avid boater, water skier, car mechanic, and photographer.
He was preceded in death by his two sons, Ralph ""Wayne"" Hansen and Gregory Carl Hansen.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Virdie Westney Hansen; his daughters, Sallie Marie Cranmer of Henderson, Nevada, Cathy Lee Moad of Sanford, North Carolina, and Virdie Lynn Frees of Pell City, Alabama; a stepdaughter, Denise Tessier and a stepson, Rowland Tessier, III, both of Albuquerque, New Mexico; 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 417 Courthouse Square, Gulfport, MS 39507.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport. A procession will leave the funeral home on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 9:15 AM to Biloxi National Cemetery for a 10:00 AM graveside service with full military honors.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.