Obituary: Raymond (Ray) Carl Hanson Jr., 76, of Ludington

Raymond Hanson

Raymond (Ray) Carl Hanson Jr., 76, of Ludington, peacefully died surrounded by his loving family on May 22, 2025.

Ray was born on December 28, 1948, to Arlene and Raymond Hanson Sr. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1967 and was then drafted into the U.S. Army. He completed his basic training and was stationed in Vietnam for one tour in 1969 during the Vietnam War. He served in the Redcatcher 199th Light Infantry Brigade, serving as a staff sergeant (E-6), receiving a Marksman Award, and an offer to go to Officer Candidate School training.

After his service, he married the love of his life, Phyllis (Moore) Hanson, in 1971. They were able to celebrate 53 years of marriage together. Ray worked at Dow Chemical for 33 years, retiring in 2007. In his retirement, he took a summer job at Buttersville Campground, where he loved to talk with seasonal visitors to the Ludington area. Ray enjoyed being at the numerous hockey games of his three sons. He coached many years of baseball for his boys, as well as playing himself in the fast-pitch softball league. He also enjoyed watching Detroit Tigers Baseball games. Every Fall, he looked forward to hunting with his brothers, sons, and nephews at the annual Hanson deer camp, where he would take on the role of chef. He loved ice fishing as well as fishing on the big lake. He was always up for sharing a story and celebrating the people he loved.

Ray will be remembered and deeply missed by his children: Krisitan (Michelle) Hanson, Keith (Courtney) Hanson, and Scott Hanson; grandchildren: Kayla (Robert) Chance, Spencer Hanson, Ava Hanson, Caleb Sheldon, Trinity Hanson, Ashlyn Hanson, and Emilie Hanson. Ray is survived by two brothers, David Hanson and Thomas (Christine) Hanson, as well as by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Marsha Hanson; his brother-in-law, Clifford Jones; his sister-in-law, Meredith Hanson; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Moore; and his parents, Raymond Hanson, Sr., and Arlene Hanson.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, at noon at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, with visitation beginning at 1 a.m. at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.