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Joseph Edward Hanna, 84, of Ashland, Ohio went to be with our Lord on Monday, October 27, 2025. He was born on August 3, 1941 in Kokomo, Indiana to Rev. Bright and Luella Hanna. In 1959 he graduated with Salutatorian honors from Somerset High School and continued his education at Ashland College and Seminary receiving both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1963 and Associate degree in Theology in 1968. While attending the Seminary he met his soul mate, Sara Elizabeth Hanna. They married on June 11, 1966. Joe served 53 years in the ministry to various churches and his country as a military Chaplain of 20 years in the USAF. He is survived by his wife Sara, daughters Heather (Tom) Battaglia, Heidi (Brian) Downer and Holly Mascardo, cherished grandfather of Bethany (Michael) Rowe, Kelsey Bachem, Nicholas and Claudia Mascardo, Michael and Kailee Battaglia and Great-Grandfather of Alana Bachem and Aaron Rowe. Sister, Mary (Ernie) Champ, Sister-in- Law Kathy (Bill) Gertel, nieces Kim (Jesse) Dodd, Sherry (Ed) Coffett, Bill (Melissa) Champ and Ed (Christie) Champ.
He was preceded in death by parents Rev Bright and Luella Hanna, Brother-in Laws, Ernie Champ, Earl Curtis, Thomas Curtis, and Donnie Curtis, Sister-in Law Shirley Curtis, nephew Jason Gertel, and niece Bobby Jo Curtis.
Visiting hours will be held at Heyl Funeral Home on Friday, October 31st, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Graveside service will follow at 11:30 at Trinity Country Church 1301 OH-89, Ashland, OH 44805. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Trinity Country Church.
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