Russell K. Hansen

Russell K. Hansen, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026 in his Colleyville home, with his wife and daughter at his side. He was 90 years old.

Russ was born July 1, 1935 in Algona, Iowa and grew up on a farm near Wesley, Iowa. He attended Iowa State Teachers College for one year and then enlisted in the USAF on May 1, 1955 as an aviation cadet. He attended navigation training and was commissioned in 1956. He spent several years as a navigation ground and flight school instructor at Harlingen AFB, TX and Castle AFB, CA. As a member of the Strategic Air Command, he flew as a Radar Navigator/Bombardier on B-52 aircraft, logging 125 combat missions in Southeast Asia and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, six Air Medals and the Meritorious Service Medal. Russ, accompanied by his wife Carol, spent two years on Guam where he supervised the B-52 Simulator Section. Lt Col. Hansen served his last tour as Director of Training, Loring AFB, ME. During his Air Force service, he attended night school and obtained a BS degree in Business Administration.

Following his 22-year USAF career, he was employed by American Airlines as an instructor in their International Operations Division. He retired from AA in 1996 after 19 years.

During his careers, and after, he and wife Carol enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states, plus Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and South America. Russ also liked gin martinis, photography, computers and genealogy research. He traced his paternal side back to 1380 in Norway and his maternal side to 1615 England. He was well known for his great sense of humor, particularly his very entertaining Christmas letters to relatives and friends, with many commenting it was something they looked forward to all year.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Florence (Harris) Hansen, and his first wife, Shari Barlow.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Carol Edwards Hansen; daughter, Holly C. Hansen of North Richland Hills, TX; brother Stan (Susan) Hansen of Dallas, TX; two favorite nieces, Kimberly Hansen (Steve Chambers) and Stephanie (Bruce) Velisek; great-nephew Jake Velisek and great-niece Haley Velisek.

Visitation will be held on May 12, 2026 at 11AM at Lucas Funeral Home, Hurst, TX, followed by a memorial service at 12PM. Russ will be escorted to the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery for a 2PM committal service with full military honors.

If desired, memorial donations may be given to the Air Force Aid Society. https://afas.org/support-air-force-aid-society/