Rev. Douglas E. Hanson

Rev. Douglas E. Hanson, age 75, was born on February 1st,1951 and grew up in Hamburg, New York - the son of the late Gene W. and Phyllis (Lamb) Hanson. He joined siblings Steve, Cilla, and Andy. His brother Dick was born two years later to complete the family. Doug loved growing up in Hamburg. He loved the town and the people and was very close to his family. He was a natural born leader - popular in school and often elected captain of the various sports teams in which he participated. He was a daily jogger for many years - practically flying along the roads surrounding his neighborhood. His life-long love affair with nature began in his hometown. He spent as much time as possible outdoors and especially enjoyed exploring wooded areas. Doug was always interested in survival tactics - which led him to hitchhike across the country by himself in the summer of '69 while his friends headed off to Woodstock. Beginning as a youth, he would often spend his leisure time cross-country skiing in the winter and going on canoe trips to the Adirondacks in the summer - always accompanied by good friends. Doug was the senior class president of his graduating class from Hamburg High in 1969.He was captain of their soccer team, leading an undefeated season. He loved soccer andcontinued to play with friends as often as he could. He went on to study at Ithaca College, graduating in 1973 with a Liberal Arts degree. All four years during his time at Ithaca College, he also played as a varsity starter on the college's soccer team. He later took post graduate studies in music at the State University of New York, Buffalo. He played piano, the recorder, and was a talented drummer and percussionist. He performed with "The Sterling Quartet" as a teen and later with multiple rock bands. He even played the organ for a small Episcopal church for a short time. He loved music and expressed that love throughout his life - most recently playing drums in a church band called "The Thin Line". Anyone who saw him at the drum set could see how much he enjoyed playing - not as a "performer" but because it was all about the music. Doug was a local church pastor for 33 years, having served three congregations during that time. But before entering Seminary, he worked with his friend Jack doing home repair and decoration, worked in administration for a home care agency, and ran a bowling newspaper he purchased from a family friend. He excelled in this one-man operation - doing all the writing, photography, publishing, and distributing on a weekly basis. When he sold that business, it allowed him to pursue his Seminary career. He enrolled in Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1990 where he met Susan M. (Trout) Hanson. When they married in 1992, he gained two daughters - Lindsay and Laura. While studying at LTS he worked as a Youth Pastor at First Reformed Church of Christ, Lancaster and during the summers, he worked as a Student Pastor at St. James UCC in Hamburg. Following his Ordination, the family settled at his first church, Old Zionsville UCC. There he used all the experience and life lessons he had learned along the way to benefit his ministry with that congregation where he served for eight years. While he was there, his son Eric was born in 2000. They were very close right from the beginning - father and son - two peas in a pod. Two years later, Doug was called to St. John's UCC in Allentown where he served for five years. Finally, he was called to St. Peter's Pikeland UCC in Chester Springs, PA where he has served as their pastor for the past 19 years. Doug was always a busy pastor - giving his time and attention to anyone who needed it - but he also made time for his family and the things he loved. Among his greatest joys was the close relationship he shared with his son, Eric. Doug was an avid bird watcher - happy that living in the country allowed him to capture the birdsong of a variety of birds right in his own back yard. He liked to watch old westerns on TV and considered Roy Rogers his hero. He was very eclectic in his musical tastes - from Gregorian Chant to Fusion Jazz and everything in between - but he regarded Elvis Presley as a musical phenomenon. He loved all forms of chocolate, especially Bridge Mix, and he classified all foods as a vehicle for either ketchup, Frank's sauce, or maple syrup. Doug followed the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies - but his hometown team of the Buffalo Bills owned his heart. He was a loyal fan since the team was founded in 1960 and he never wavered in his dedication no matter how the season ended. Doug was the kind of guy who was always doing good things for others. In addition to his work with his congregation, he participated in his community and the wider church universal, served on committees for his church conference, was a regular blood donor at local blood banks, and served as a Chaplain for the East Pikeland Township Police Department. Whenever family or friends needed a helping hand, he was the first person they called. And he always said "yes". He was not just a Pastor but one of those rare people who lived up to the calling of "being like Christ" in the way he acted and the way he treated others. He was a role model and positive influence on every person whose life he touched; he had a way of making everyone feel like they were his best friend. He is survived by his wife Susan, the other Rev. Hanson, who says they were more than a husband-and-wife team - they were colleagues and soul mates. She is grateful to be surrounded by people who loved him - their daughter Dr. Lindsay (Charlie) Tan and their children, James and Emilia, who live in Alabama; their daughter Laura Clark and son Eric Hanson who live with them at home; and his siblings Steven (Kate) Hanson, Priscilla Trageser, Andrew Hanson (Janet Trageser), and Dr. Richard Hanson, who all live in western New York. He is also loved by Susan's family here in Pennsylvania, a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends in PA and NY, and the many church members throughout the years who called him "Pastor Doug". And everyone who really knew Doug would want us to complete this obituary with this blessing: "Be Good, Do Good, God Bless, Go Bills!" Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 am, at St. Peter's Pikeland United Church of Christ, 1193 Clover Mill Road, Chester Springs, PA. Officiating will be the Rev. Kevin McLemore, Associate Conference Minister of the Keystone Conference and a member of that church. All are welcome to be received from 9:00 AM-10:45 AM at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pastor Doug's name to St. Peter's Pikeland United Church of Christ, 1193 Clover Mill Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Rev. Douglas E. Hanson

February 1, 1951 - June 6, 2026