Karl Henry Hansen Jr.

Karl Henry Hansen Jr. January 20, 1929 - November 14, 2025 Karl Henry Hansen Jr., devoted husband, loving father, the most incredible grandpa and great grandpa anyone could ask for and such a loyal friend to so many, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025, just two months shy of his 97th birthday. Karl never met a person he didn’t call a friend. I guess you could say he was a collector of people—bringing together people he had met throughout his life, continually reaching out and remaining a lifelong, loyal friend. His warm smile, kind heart, gentle demeaner and gift of gab were his calling cards. He could walk in a room in his quiet way and light it up immediately. When you were in his presence you always knew he only had ears for you and genuinely so. He was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi on January 20, 1929, to Karl Henry Sr. and Janell Hansen. Being the first of three boys, a lot was expected of him and he rose to the occasion, a pattern he exhibited over and over again in his life. He attended Hazlehurst High School and was quite the athlete—a quarterback on the football team and a member of the wrestling team. Afterwards, he enlisted in the Navy for two years from 1946-1948 and then when on to receive his associate’s degree at Copiah-Lincoln Junior College in Forestry. Times were tough then and instead of continuing his education, he started working on a seismic and survey crew with Superior Oil to help his parents make ends meet—and Superior Oil had the privilege of his dedication and work ethic for the next 35 years. For every challenge the growing company threw at him he rose to the occasion, living in various locations throughout the south and in North Dakota and moving up the ranks in oil and mineral exploration and always continuing his education in his field as he went, culminating in being based at the lab in Houston, some amazing special unit opportunities and, if you knew Karl well, some pretty amazing stories too! Karl met Betty through friends, and it was instantaneous for Karl, although he jokes that it took some convincing for Betty. They married on August 7, 1959, in Jackson, MS and eventually settled in Rosenberg, TX in 1970. They both doted on their two daughters, Debbie and Sandy, determined to give them the education and opportunities they themselves didn’t fully have. Karl was active in his church and in his family life. Being present for his family was a top priority. Karl and Betty were each other’s best friends and rarely spent much time apart as they aged into retirement—whether it was gardening together, taking neighborhood walks, a Sunday drive in the countryside or watching their favorite TV shows. Even when Betty had health challenges, Karl would never leave her side, determined to get her through any obstacle—for 58 amazing and loving years. After Betty’s passing, he found purpose in spending time with his daughters and their husbands, grandchildren and great grandchildren and we all adored him. He equally found purpose in rising every day, getting out and spending time with his many friends and coffee groups and taking long walks. He certainly was a man of habit and that obviously served him well! He was determined to live life to the fullest every day, grateful for the life that our Lord had provided him. More recently, Karl had his own health challenges with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but he never let it get him down. Once again, he rose to the occasion and with the most positive attitude through three years of treatment. Just this October, he received an all clear and was cancer-free. But throughout all the ups and downs in Karl’s life, he has remained a faithful servant of God, a loving friend to all, and the best example of the power of kindness. He will be forever in our hearts. Karl was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his mother and father and brothers Floyd and Pete. Karl is survived by his daughter Debbie Hansen Dacus and her husband David; daughter Sandy Hansen Sasser Walker and her husband Jory Walker; grandchildren, Taylor Dacus and his wife Megan; Chad Dacus and his wife Caitlyn; Travis Dacus; Will Sasser; and Kate Sasser and many great grandchildren. Those honored to serve as casket bearers are David Dacus, Jory Walker, Taylor Dacus, Chad Dacus, Will Sasser and Trey Hansen.

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Karl Henry Hansen Jr.

January 20, 1929 - November 14, 2025