Prentis R. “Moose” Hanners, age 65, of Mount Gilead, died peacefully Sunday evening, October 21, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous two and a half year battle with cancer.
On July 18, 1947, Prentis was born at home in Delbarton, West Virginia, the oldest and only son of five children of Mevria (Hodge) Hanners and the late Ralph Hanners.
Having someone older sign him up for his draft card at 14 years old, Prentis was drafted shortly thereafter to serve in the U.S. Army. He served his first tour of duty in Korea, and re-enlisted to serve in the Vietnam War. He served as a heavy equipment operator, truck driver and chauffeur.
During his time in the service, Prentis earned the nickname “Moose” and also earned his G.E.D. Upon his honorable discharge, he went back to school earning an associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Falls Industrial Technology School.
After moving to Morrow County in 1975, Moose began working at Sun Ray Stoves in Delaware, where he worked for 18 years. He then found a profession he loved, driving truck. He drove truck for Snyder Nationals, Mansfield Express, and most recently for Triple Crown Trucking. He loved to see all the different sites every day, but he always made sure he came home every night to his wife and family.
Getting a second chance at love, Moose was introduced by mutual friends to Mary Jane Abraham Tobin at the V.F.W. in Mount Gilead. Not long after meeting, Moose and Mary Jane eloped to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on May 22, 1991. They have cherished their 21 years together.
An avid camper, Moose tried to get away every weekend he could in his fifth wheel camper with his family, and always meeting up with several groups of his friends. His favorite campgrounds were in Delaware, where he especially enjoyed fishing.
Always “looking for treasurers”, Moose loved going to flea markets and auctions in search of a good buy. And it was hard for him to pass up a good deal!
Well known for always speaking his mind and for his haggling, Moose also had his own special way of showing you that he cared for you.
Moose was a member of the V.F.W. Post 8054 and was a life member of the AmVets.
Moose will be dearly missed by his wife, Mary Jane Hanners of Mount Gilead; his daughter, Candi Lynn (Mark Kuhn) Hanners of Marengo; a granddaughter, Bailey Lynn Parker; his mother, Mevria Hanners of Fulton; four step-children: Dennis (Debbie) Tobin of Marion, Larry (Kellie) Tobin of Edison, Vicky (Kenny) Head of Mesa, Arizona, and Dale Tobin of Marion; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Debby Lowe of Columbus; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Moose was preceded in death by three sisters: Mary Jane Hanners, Donna Faye Canterbury, and Kathy Sue Saddler.
His family will greet friends from 2 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services paying tribute to his life will follow at 3:00 p.m., with his cousin-in-law, Elder Bill Smith officiating. Military honors provided by the V.F.W. Post 8054 and AmVets Post 87, with the assistance of his grandchildren, will be held at the beginning of his services.
Moose and his family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone with Hospice of Morrow County for their wonderful care of Moose and to the Morrow County Veterans Services Office for doing all they could for him.
Memorial contributions may be made in care of Hospice of Morrow County, 228 South Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve Moose’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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