M. Eugene Hannum

M. Eugene Hannum, 98, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, died peacefully on July 1, 2024, at Lancaster General Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Born on June 3, 1926, in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Olyve Wassum and Max E. Hannum. He was the husband of the late Audrey Esping Hannum with whom he celebrated over 71 years of marriage. 

Gene was educated in public schools in Crafton, PA, attended Penn State University (Navy V-5 Program), Carnegie Tech and graduated from Wittenberg University. His post graduate studies were done at Ohio State University and Wayne State University, and he served as president of Pi Kappa Alpha at Wittenberg. He lettered in football, basketball, lacrosse and tennis while in college. 

Gene proudly served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged as a LT.JG. 

Gene was employed by Armstrong World Industries for 48 years as a salesman, sales and marketing manager and human resources manager, residing in numerous cities in the U. S. and settling in Lancaster in 1965. While employed, he served as president of Columbus and Detroit chapters of the Contract Construction Specifications Institute, served as chairman of National Council of the Housing Industry, and was a trustee and member of the executive committee of the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). Gene was chair of the First New American Home Development Committee, recipient of the first “Man of the Year” award from the Sales and Marketing Council of NAHB, and recipient of the Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award from the Lancaster chapter of Sales and Marketing Executives. 

A member of Highland Presbyterian Church, Gene served as elder, President of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the New Sanctuary Committee, Chair of the Local Outreach Committee, Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee for Church Expansion, and as a Sunday school teacher. 

Gene’s interests included his family, sports, needlepoint and volunteering. While living in Detroit, he coached Little League Football. Later in life, he took up the game of golf and became a member of the Lancaster Country Club (LCC) where with Bill Adams, Paul Mueller and Chuck Walker he became part of a group affectionately known as the “Fab Four”. Gene won the Lanco Senior Tournament, served on the LCC Board, was chairman of LCC’s 100th anniversary celebration, and was the first amateur president of the Lancaster Golf Association. 

Local community involvement included serving on the United Way Board and Lancaster County Council of Churches Board. Gene was Board Chair of the Lancaster Theological Seminary, served on the Steering Committee for the Community Homeless Outreach Center, served on the Samaritan Counseling Center Development Committee, and presented at Mayors Leadership Conferences. Gene served as a facilitator of Board retreats for the Lancaster Arts Association, F&M’s Alumni Council and the Lancaster Country Day School. He was also a member of the Tucquan Club. 

Gene is predeceased by his wife Audrey who passed away on December 2, 2019. He is survived by his brother, Rev. Robert Hannum, husband of Peggy Hannum of Lancaster, PA. He is also survived by his three children: Mark Hannum, husband of Susan Hannum of Gulf Breeze, FL; Jane Johnson, wife of Gregory Johnson of Edwards, CO; and William Judson Hannum, husband of Pamela Hannum of Lake Villa, IL. Surviving grandchildren include: Jill Brogdon, wife of Crayton Brogdon of Gulf Breeze, FL; Max Hannum, husband of Stephanie Hannum of Atlanta, GA; Benjamin Johnson, husband of Megan Johnson of Verona, NJ; Christopher Johnson, husband of Liene Zemjanis of West Hollywood, CA; Shannon Rigali, wife of Alisha Miyazawa of Casper, WY; Joshua Rigali, husband of Michelle Rigali of Lake Villa, IL, Morgan Hannum of Lake Villa, IL; and Tobi Hannum of Columbia, MO. Survivors also include 10 great grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 E Roseville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601 on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM. The family will greet guests at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be private in the church memorial gardens at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com