Martin Henry Hanson

Martin Henry Hanson, 82, of St. George, Utah, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 10, 2025.

Martin was born in Fillmore, Utah, on December 12, 1942, to Warren Henry and Alice Annie Hanson. He was the second of four children. At the age of eight, he moved to Salt Lake City and later attended South High School. Martin began his higher education at the College of Southern Utah followed by the University of Utah. To provide for his education, he enlisted in the Army Reserves serving for six years while attending Utah State University. He completed a bachelor’s degree in Range Watershed Management with a minor in Anthropology and a master’s degree in Environmental Planning.

From an early age, Martin demonstrated a strong work ethic. He was proud to be an Eagle Scout - a reflection of the dedication and integrity that would define his life. His commitment to hard work began by digging trenches for Tempest Construction and working for the USDA Forest Service while attending college. After graduating, he began working as a Project Control Superintendent for Anaconda Mining. Throughout this time, Martin was honored for work in archaeology and mining with three different exhibits at the Utah Museum of Natural History.

Seeking a new and different challenge, Martin decided to purchase raw land in Diamond Valley, Nevada. He was able to turn sagebrush-covered land into a beautiful farm where he grew timothy and alfalfa hay. After retiring from farm life, he worked seasonally for the National Resources Conservation Service, USDA Forest Service, and Transcon Environmental.

Martin married Janice Hawkes in 1967 with whom he had two children. They later divorced and in 1991 he married Nora Hoggatt Jensen and welcomed her three children with open arms. Together, Martin and Nora blended their families and worked hard to ensure everyone felt loved.

Martin enjoyed taking the road less traveled and the scenic route through life. If you were lucky enough to be in the car with him, he would give you the historical details on all the buildings and geographical landscape as you passed by.

Martin cherished family and his many life-long friends. He was always welcoming people, inviting them to stay and offering whatever help he could. His life was one of quiet success, built on kindness and strength.

Martin is survived by his wife, Nora Hanson; sister Carol Ann (Vince) Webb; brother Keith (Vicky) Hanson; sister-in-law Claudia Leavenworth; children Chris (Amy) Jensen, Matt (Brittany) Hanson, Shauna (Jim) Swinyard, and Tiffany (Chris) Muscato; daughter-in-law Bernice Jensen, and many wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren. Martin was preceded in death by his parents Warren Henry and Alice Annie Hanson; brother James Warren Hanson; and son Michael Kelly Jensen.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Martin’s life at an open house on Friday October 24, 2025 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at the LDS Chapel located at 930 South Morningside Drive, St. George, Utah 84790. Casual Dress.

Martin and his family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who walked alongside him throughout his journey.

Martin: Hard-working, Kind, Intelligent.

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