Washington, Utah – Joseph Henry Hansen, Sr., devoted husband, fun-loving dad, and dedicated teacher passed in his sleep at 87, on June 12, 2022, from complications resulting from a heart attack. He was born April 2, 1935, in Los Angeles, California to Fred and Clara Oelkers Hansen. He married Gay Elaine McKee.

Joe lived a blessed and full life surrounded by loving family and friends. He and his beautiful wife of 64 years, Gay Elaine McKee Hansen, together raised six children. His devotion and dedication to living an honorable life of service, kindness and love for his fellowman inspired his children to walk in his footsteps. For 38 years, Joe also inspired thousands of young English students with a love of literature. He enlightened minds and taught young people to analyze, think deeply, and write eloquently. In his later years, he taught P.E. and particularly enjoyed teaching his classes of special needs students. They loved him as much as he loved them.

A dedicated and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served diligently for years as a teacher, a member of the High Council and as a Bishop. He and Gay fulfilled a 1-year mission to Texas and a member location mission in St. George. Joe found serenity and joy serving as a temple officiator in Texas.

In his youth, Joe was an accomplished and talented athlete and an avid sports spectator. He loved basketball and golf. As a senior in high school, he and his hometown team in Lomita, CA won the All-Church basketball tournament. As a freshman at BYU, he walked on to the basketball team and, later, coached basketball at Redlands High School where all three of his sons inherited his talent for the game and played. He delighted in playing golf with friends and family, inspiring his sons and grandsons with his enthusiasm. During retirement, Joe and Gay became world travelers and enjoyed numerous adventures at home and abroad with family and friends.

Humorous, fun-loving, and a great storyteller, Joe was loved by all he met and the life of the party wherever he went. The party lights have dimmed, but the stories and laughter linger on.

He is preceded in death by his father, Fred; his mother, Clara; and his siblings, John (Pat), Rolf (Lucille), and Betty. He leaves behind his wife, Gay; children, Rebecca (Blaine), Rachel (Curt), Joe (Lori), Jonathan (Angi), Jared (Sarah), and Esther (Daren); 30 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Fred (Adohr) who all lament the loss of his jovial and inspiring influence.

Farewell, Joe.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Washington City Cemetery, 300 Park View Drive, Washington, Utah.