Eugene 'Gene' Hanover
Eugene “Gene” Hanover passed away peacefully at home in Moses Lake, Wash., on May 5, 2025, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with a long illness. Born at Wyoming General Hospital in Rock Springs, Wyo., Gene lived a full, passionate life rooted in love, service and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Gene is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Twila Harris, his grandparents, Flora Gross and Charles Emerson Parsons, his cherished sister, Cathy Smith, and his adopted great-grandson, Ari Nelson. Though they have gone before him, their memories were held close in Gene’s heart every day.
He leaves behind his devoted wife and the love of his life, Viola Hanover, with whom he shared a deep and enduring bond. Gene often expressed that he didn’t know what he would do without her, and his greatest desire was always for her to be cared for and loved. He is also survived by his loving siblings: brothers Allen Smith and Will Harris, and sister Annie Harris.
A proud and loving father, Gene is survived by his children: Son Paul Hanover and his wife, Mica, their children, John, Scarlett, Cazzie and her daughter, Eliora, and Heather.
Son Richard Hanover and his wife, Mary, and their children, Megan, Molly, London and Aundreas. Daughter Michelle (Hanover) Juarez and her husband, Elijah, and their sons, Isiah, Trystan and wife Arye, Baily and wife Baily Nicole, and Jadon.
He also shared his heart with his extended family: Adopted grandson Steve Nelson, his wife, Kyli, and their beautiful children, Aven, Marley, Zeppelin, Lane and Rylie.
Adopted daughter Ida Garrett and her husband, Mark, and their children: John Alexander and wife Kayla (with great-grandson Ronan), Madison Leckenby and husband Cody (with great-grandson Tatum), and grandson Hayden Garrett.
Born in Rock Springs and raised in Eastern Washington, Gene spent his youth working on a ranch, participating in 4-H and rodeo and learning the value of hard work. He became a certified welder — once welding his own horse trailer — and found joy in swing dancing with his mother, teaching others to dance, restoring classic cars and admiring old tractors. He was endlessly curious and loved learning about other cultures and customs.
A 1964 graduate of Moses Lake High School, Gene was drafted into the military shortly thereafter. He served his country faithfully from 1965 through the 1990s in multiple branches: the U.S. Army, Army Reserves, Marine Reserves, Air National Guard and Moses Lake Police Reserves. He was also a proud member of the Tactical Response Team and Hanford Patrol, contributing to the safety and strength of his community.
Though he often admitted he wasn’t perfect, Gene strove to be a cycle breaker — a devoted, loving father and a firm but fair provider. His integrity, humility and sense of responsibility shaped the lives of those around him.
Gene’s faith became a cornerstone later in life. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he cherished the opportunity to teach and mentor young people in religious classes, always offering his time and heart to others.
He was known for his big personality — gregarious, generous to a fault and full of humor. He never met a stranger, often striking up conversations that brought joy to others. A perfectionist at heart, Gene continually worked to improve himself and live out the values he believed in — kindness, patience and generosity.
In his younger years, he ran marathons, taught self-defense, and loved physical fitness. He found joy in family walks, singing drill sergeant cadence songs, and passing on his love of marksmanship. Time at the shooting range with his children was never just about skill — it was about bonding, safety and love. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and sports enthusiast, and refereeing soccer with Viola brought him tremendous joy.
Gene also had a deep love for travel, especially when shared with Viola. Together, they explored new places and formed lasting friendships wherever they went.
A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Moses Lake, Washington, at 200 N. Dale Road on May 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on Facebook — search Our Lady of Fatima Moses Lake, Wash., and follow the link to Eugene Hanover’s service.
Gene’s life was a testament to resilience, loyalty, love and faith. He will be missed deeply and remembered always.
Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/GHANOVER.
Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.
