Earl Keith Hanna

After graduation, Earl went to summer school in Greeley (now UNC). The band director, Frank Simon, recommended he go to the Cincinnati Music Conservatory to study trumpet. (When he arrived in Cincinnati Mr. Simon, was there to meet him.) While at the conservatory WWII broke out. Telegrams were arriving from all parts of the country for musicians to serve in the 2nd Air Force Band. Upon recommendations from Mr. Simon, Earl enlisted and remained in the General’s band during his military

service. During this time he switched to French Horn.

Following the war he married Laura Ghilliland, and they had two children, Mark and Kim. The Chicago Conservatory was the next adventure where he played in the Businessmen’s Orchestra and the Symphony training orchestra. Earl delivered telegrams for Western Union in the southern part of Chicago.

Upon his return to CO he finished a Bachelor’s in Music at DU. Earl audited a course at Iliff School of Theology,and became inspired by professors and courses. He entered Iliff in 1949, graduating in 1952 with Master’s of Theology, while serving Laird and Erie, Co as student minister.

Upon graduation he served Platteville UMC three years, and was appointed to Arvada UMC where he served as head pastor from 1955-89 (34 years). The congregation grew from one serve to three in a short time and it was determined to build a new church which was completed at 68th and Carr in 1963.

In less than a year Earl had to once again return to three services with an attendance of nearly 1000.

He received his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1978 from Iliff.

‘AN ENDLESS SEARCH’ for truth was basic to the general philosophy which prevailed throughout his ministry, and was the title for the study book and weekly Sunday morning radio program.

Following retirement he married Rhonda Moore and became the Protestant Chaplain at Rose Medical Center for nine years and continued “An Endless Search” radio program with the support of Iliff,

Colorado Council of Churches and the Jewish community, bringing it to a close in 2003 after 30 years.

His ministry was a great inspiration to so many, and his dry humor enjoyed by a multitude.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda, son, Mark (Mary), daughter, Kim (Kirby), 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandsons, step-daughter, Karen (Jeff) Kendig, 4 grandchildren, 4 great grandsons

Memorial gifts may be directed to Earl & Rhonda Hanna Scholarship Fund, Iliff School of Theology, or Denver Hospice.