Robert C. Hanna

Bob was born on the 15th of September 1928, to Clyde and Annamary Hanna in Decatur, Illinois. Bob was a 1950 graduate of Millikin University in Decatur, served on the Board of Trustees from 1986-1995, was named Alumnus of the Year in 1995, and in 2003 was inducted into Millikin’s Medallion Society. Hanna served with the U.S. Army from 1950-1954 and was honorably discharged as 1st Lieutenant, Infantry. He returned to Decatur in 1954 and gained employment in the Industrial Sales Department of A. E. Staley Manufacturing Co. One of his first field assignments was as Texas Territory Manager headquartered in Dallas. Among his customers was Imperial Sugar Co. which purchased starch for use in producing powdered sugar.

Hanna joined Imperial Sugar Co. in 1955 as an Assistant Sales Manager and began a career that led to successive promotions in sales management positions, then to the vice presidency and finally to the top leadership in the company. He was named Sugar Man of the Year in 1993 by The Sugar Association. After 38 years of service, he retired as President, CEO, and Director of the Imperial Holly Corporation, to assume the post as Vice Chairman.

Bob’s achievements weren’t limited to business. His “distinguished and unselfish service” extended to many business and community affiliations. Notable service included board membership and often chairmanship on the Memorial Healthcare System, George Foundation, Millikin University, United Way, Entex, and Houston Lighting and Power boards.

Still, other affiliations include Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church, Sugar Land, 32nd degree of the Houston Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, member of Beth Israel Synagogue, and numerous country club boards throughout the Houston area. One of his favorite honors was the establishment of the Robert C. Hanna Memorial Stewardship Award in 1991 by Imperial Holly Corporation, which continues to be awarded annually to the most deserving patient caregiver in the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Richard Ellis and David Eugene; Helen LaRue Hanna, mother of Jane O’Neil and Robert Scott Hanna; his son, Robert Scott Hanna; and his wife Emily Faye.

He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy; sister, Barbara LaRue Lasco of Sugar Land; daughter, Jane O’Neil and husband Tim of Marlin, son Laurence Brand of Sugar Land, son David Brand and wife Jolyn of Friendswood, daughter Diana Lin Henk and husband, Wayne of Missouri City; grandchildren, Grant McGee and wife Kasey, Paige Dean and husband Nolan, Michael Brand, Connor Brand and Houston Henk; great-grandchildren, Jayci McGee, Kaleb McGee, and Liam Dean. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Cheryl Castillo and husband Sergio of Spring; and numerous nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and step-grandchildren.

The family would like to acknowledge the doctors and staff of the Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion extended to not only Bob, but his family during his recent hospitalization.

Bob was a great lover and patron of the arts. His weekends were constantly full of attending the opera, symphony, or theater. Anyone who knew him knew his passion for the game of golf. Those lucky enough to play a round were never disappointed in his game or his companionship for the day.

A memorial service, and celebration of Bob’s life, is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 1st of February, in the Jasek Chapel at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where Senior Rabbi David A. Lyon of Congregation Beth Israel, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family at a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in honor of Bob may be directed to the Memorial Hermann Foundation, 929 Gessner, Suite 2650, Houston, TX, 77024; Millikin University, Alumni and Development Office, 1184 West Main St., Decatur, IL, 62522; Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX, 77024; or to the charity of one’s choice.