Cover photo for Gen. Joe  G. Hanover's Obituary
Gen. Joe  G. Hanover Profile Photo

Gen. Joe G. Hanover

February 10, 1918 — May 22, 2017

Gen. Joe G. Hanover

General Joe Hanover, age 99 went to be with his Lord on May 22, 2017.

Joe was born in McGregor, TX on February 10, 1918 to Grady and Kathleen Hanover. He grew up on the farm, but became interested in civil engineering in high school, which would be a large part of his life’s work. His school years were spent in Wheelock before graduating high school in Franklin.

Joe graduated from Texas A & M in 1940 with a degree in Civil Engineering and went on to work for the Texas Highway Department while living in Hearne. He was called into active duty in 1941, eventually serving during World War II in France, where he was in command of an engineering unit of black soldiers. He said, “I started as a commander of black soldiers, fighting against the world’s greatest racist, Adolph Hitler.” Upon his return from the war, he returned to work for the Texas Highway Department where he enjoyed his work as district highway engineer building roads and bridges. He also joined the Army Reserve, from which he retired in 1971 as Brigadier General.

Joe met his wife Lucille when he was in the first grade in Wheelock. They were married in 1941. They had one daughter, Jocille, whose passing at the young age of 38 was a heavy burden for them to bear. After his wife’s death, he enjoyed traveling the world with his sister Sarah.

He loved all things Texas A & M, especially watching football and baseball games. Other than the day he married his beloved wife, he counted the day he was baptized as a believer in Jesus to be the greatest day of his life. He loved working with his church and served on the board of trustees.

He leaves behind his sister Sarah Tarver, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and Michelle Caldwell, his loving family friend and compassionate caretaker of many years.

A visitation will be held at Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan from 5-7 PM on Thursday, May 25, 2017. A second visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church of Bryan from 9-11 AM on Friday, May 26, 2017 with funeral services to begin at 11 AM. Graveside services and a reception will follow at Wheelock Cemetery.
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