William (Bill) Curry Hanna

77, of Indianapolis, passed away March 28, 2015.  He was born to Dr. Thomas Allen and Dorothy Mae (Curry) Hanna in Indianapolis, IN on September 15, 1937.  He was a graduate of Speedway High School.  Bill attended Butler University before entering the military. During his time at Butler he joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

He was proud to have served his country with the Air National Guard Reserve.  Bill was called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and worked as a pilot.  His love of our country never faltered and he believed that all citizens have a duty to serve their community.  Because of this belief he joined the Speedway Lions Club and the Speedway American Legion.  He held many positions within the Speedway Lions Club including President, District Secretary, District Governor, and Camp Woodsmoke Trustee and received the WP Woods Award from Lions of Indiana.  He was an officer at the Speedway American Legion too.  After moving to Florida he joined the Dixieland Lions Club to serve his new community.  While there he held several offices such as Membership Chairman, Tail Twister, and was President for two terms.  Under his tenure as President he was able to increase membership.

He worked for Indianapolis Power & Light Company.  He began his career while still in high school as a part-time employee.  After attending Butler he went to work full time for a total of 44 years before he retired in 1999.  His hard work ethic helped him to advance to various positions.  While working for IPL he became a chef.  This helped him to design commercial kitchens for his customers.

After retirement he moved to Lakeland Florida.  He became a member of Bethany Christian Church Disciples of Christ.  There he served as an elder and was involved with the expansion of the church’s facilities.  He met weekly with the young adults of the congregation helping them to grow and know of God’s love. He joined the Polk County Senior Games in 2000.  During this time he involved his community, Highland Fairways, in the games by moving the Putt and Chip competition when he was the manager for the event.  He was able to make this event the biggest event of the games with almost 300 people participating.  In 2003 Bill joined the Board of Directors and was named the Outstanding Event Manager.  He continued his involvement by being the Event Coordinator for Senior Games for several years before his return to Indiana.  He earned the Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2007 and 2012.

His love of family always came first. He is survived by his daughter, Becky (Hanna) Arkins; son-in-law Thomas Arkins; grandchildren Chase and Kira; his brother Tom Hanna; and sister Jody (Hanna) Richwine.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Thalia (Hosea) Hanna; parents, Thomas Allen Hanna and Dorothy Mae (Curry) Hanna; and grandson, Benjamin.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00-2:30 on Monday April 6, 2015 at Community Church at Murphy’s Landing, 7401 S. Harding St., Indianapolis, IN 46217.  The memorial service will take place immediately afterwards beginning at 2:30.             The inurnment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Greenwood, IN.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Lions Club Leader Dog Program.