Former Nellis general Hansen dies

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003 | 9:54 a.m.

Maj. Gen. Homer Hansen came to Nellis Air Force Base in 1969 fresh off a tour in Vietnam, the third war in which he had served as a combat pilot.

His two years as commander of the Tactical Weapons Center -- now called the Air Warfare Center -- helped establish Nellis as a world leader in development tactics and procedures and helped prepare future generations of airmen for war.

In retirement Hansen made Las Vegas his home, distinguishing himself as a banker and political activist.

Homer K. Hansen, past state chairman of the National Conservative Caucus, died Sunday at his home in St. George, Utah. He was 80.

Services were to be earlier today in St. George. Metcalf Mortuary in St. George handled the arrangements.

Hansen, who had flown the most modern planes of his era, took command of the Weapons Center at Nellis in November 1969.

A year later Hansen, then a brigadier general, was decorated with the Distinguished Service Medal for "exceptional meritorious service in duties of great responsibility" as commander of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing in Vietnam.

In 1971 Hansen left Las Vegas to do his final tour of duty at the Pentagon, then returned to Las Vegas to become president of California Federal Savings and Loan.

Born May 6, 1922, in St. Ansgar, Iowa, Hansen was one of three children of Hans and Blanche Hansen. At age 20 Hansen enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in December 1943.

During World War II he flew combat missions in a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter, providing air support for Gen. George Patton's 3rd Army in Germany.

From 1948 to 1951 Hansen served with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing in Japan, where he flew more than 100 combat missions during the Korean War.

In all Hansen served 31 years and flew 366 combat missions, earning the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation.

Hansen flew, among other craft, the F-80 -- America's first jet fighter -- during the Korean War, and the F-100 in Vietnam.

In Las Vegas, Hansen became a force in the Republican Party.

A civic leader, Hansen was involved with such organizations as Citizens for Responsible Government, Citizens for Private Enterprise, the Better Business Bureau and the Boy Scouts of America.

He married his second wife, Sara Jane "Sally" McDermott, on April 6, 1974. She survives him.

In 1976 Hansen purchased 30 full-sized American flags, poles and pole receptacles and had them installed in every yard in his neighborhood -- some without his neighbors' permission or knowledge.

After he retired from the bank, the Hansens moved to their ranch in Pine Valley, Utah. He also had a residence in St. George.

In addition to his wife, Hansen is survived by a son, Michael Hansen of Las Vegas; a stepson, James McDermott of Las Vegas; three daughters, Lynn Hansen of Las Vegas, Margie Mason, of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Elizabeth McBride of St. George; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.