Lenn Lamar Hannon July 4, 1943 – April 1, 2010
Lenn Hannon
Most of his life was spent in Ashland with 3 years in Ivanhoe, Calif. where is father was pastor of a small Nazarene church. Having a patriotic 4th of July birthday seemed fitting for the 30 years of service in the Oregon State Senate. He also served six years in the Oregon National Guard.
Lenn was elected to the Senate in 1974 and served his constituents well, working to maintain a balance between government intrusions and representing those constituents who did not have a voice. He was known as the ‘Education Senator.’ Education and health care were very important to Lenn. Someone once said, “Lenn is an honorable man who fights tough, but fights fair.”
After years of advocating for educational opportunities, the Southern Oregon University library was built and aptly named in his honor, the ‘Lenn and Dixie Hannon Library.’
Lenn worked for the City of Ashland street department and later as an independent insurance agent. After retiring from the Oregon Senate in 2004, he was appointed by the Governor to the Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision, serving until 2006.
Lenn was also involved in the community he lived in. He was a valued member of the Masonic Lodge, Elks, Lions, and Hillah Shrine. He also served on the Board of Governors for Shriner’s Hospital in Portland, plus numerous local boards and commissions. Growing up in a deeply religious Christ centered home, Lenn carried that on with his own family, where church and daily devotions were an integral part of his family life. Lenn grew more spiritual in the last 5 years of his life, allowing God to be in control of all outcomes as well as the process. He was ready to meet his Heavenly Father; thankful for a life well dedicated to service.
In 1995, Lenn went public with a private struggle with alcohol addiction. This public confession led many others to admit their own struggle and helped them obtain help. Lenn’s family would like to express their deep appreciation to Patrick Doyle, who, through God’s leading, provided successful alcohol treatment counseling, giving Lenn a ‘second chance’ to live.
Lenn is survived by Dixie, his devoted wife of 44 years, five children and their spouses, and 12 wonderful grandchildren. He was very proud of his family and was greatly loved. In addition to his wife, Lenn leaves behind children, Michelle Pope (John), Patrick Hannon (Kara), Rebecca Hannon (Steve Buck), Rachel Stapleton (Jared), and Kathleen Korth (James). He is also survived by his only brother, Leroy Hannon (Winnie); in addition to many other extended family members.
Many thanks to Willamette Valley Hospice for the wonderful care given in Lenn’s last month of life. But most of all we thank our Lord and Savior for His great love to each one of us.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Southern Oregon University Library in Ashland on May 8th at 1 p.m. and on the state Capitol grounds in Salem on May 26th at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it was Lenn’s wish to give to Portland Shriner’s Hospital (3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239), Willamette Valley Hospice (1015 3rd St NW, Salem, OR 97304), or the Lenn and Dixie Hannon Library (1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520).