Douglas E. Hanscom, 67, of Spencer, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at his residence. Doug was born in Indianapolis on May 11, 1953 to Howard Edmund Hanscom and Mary Flora (Wilson) Hanscom.
Doug was a graduate of Western High School in Russiaville, Indiana. Throughout his high school years, he played the keyboard and sang in many bands. His passion for playing music continued throughout his life. Doug always had a song going through his head! He was an amazing, talented musician and he was so grateful to have such great musician friends.
Doug received his teaching degree from Indiana State University. He began his teaching career in Illinois and then moved to Ohio, where he also played in bands and taught middle school science. He received his Master’s Degree in education from the University of Akron. Doug decided to move back to Indiana and pursue post graduate work at Indiana University, having a graduate assistant position to place education students in their student teaching assignments. He worked with many public schools in this capacity. Doug decided that his true niche and love was public school teaching, so he returned to teaching at Spencer Elementary School in Owen County. He loved teaching his fifth grade students. He taught with humor, provided learning experiences for students to think beyond themselves and exemplifying acceptance, positivity and compassion in his daily lessons. He retired from teaching in 2017.
Doug was an incredible, loving father to two beautiful daughters, Kayt and Hannah. He adored his girls and was very proud of them. They, too, gleaned a love of music and voices that coupled together with their father, produced wonderful harmony.
Doug was a very hardworking, dedicated person. He always said “It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be better.” He practiced his piano each day with the goal of simply improving, and he also continued that persistence with his golfing during retirement. He also was a loyal volunteer at the Community Kitchen in Bloomington.
Doug is survived by his children, Kathryn Anne and husband Ethan Chambers of Bloomington, Hannah Hanscom of Bloomington, long-time wife (now friend) Pamela Ann Maher-Hanscom, sister, Mary Susan Hanscom, three nephews, and fur baby, Imogene. His friends and family will miss his kind, gentle spirit.
A celebration of life will take place at Stable Studios at 2634 Dubois Road, Spencer. Date and time to be posted soon.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions to be made to Community Kitchen of Monroe County at PO Box 3286 Bloomington, IN 47402 in Doug’s name. Visit communitykitchen.com for more information, or the Owen County Community Foundation: Epic Scholarship Fund in Doug’s name at www.owencountycf.org.
Arrangements and Cremation provided by West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home, 105 North Montgomery Street, Spencer. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.westparrishpedigo.com.