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EAST LIVERPOOL -- One of God's most faithful servants, Sterling "Bud" Hanselman, passed away at the age of 75 Saturday morning, November 12, 2022.
A son of the late Jean (McKelvey) and Sterling Lewis Hanselman, Bud was born in East Liverpool on August 14, 1947, at home, because his mother was afraid she'd get the wrong baby. He and his family lived on the city's West End, where he spent much of his youth at the playground, the football field and the Ohio River. During junior high, he delivered TV Guides and also parked cars near Patterson Field during football games, at 25 cents a car.
Following his graduation from East Liverpool High School in 1965, Bud attended Kent State University. But in October 1966, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After completing his basic training at Fort Knox and Fort Hood, Bud was sent to Vietnam, where he served for the Rifle Company B First Battalion Sixth Infantry 198 Light Infantry Brigade and formed many lasting friendships during that period.
When he returned from the service, the first hometown girl he spied was his childhood friend, Nancy Lessel, with whom he had grown up at St. Stephens Episcopal Church. The two were married there on May 2, 1970 and have been supporting each other and all those around them ever since.
Bud joined the East Liverpool Fire Department in 1969 and served until 1997, retiring as a lieutenant. Always one who enjoyed staying busy, he also formed his own construction company, Hanselman Contracting, and later owned Books and Hooks Fly Shop after he and his son, Scott, became interested in fly fishing. Bud was also a dedicated assistant scoutmaster of Troop 19 when his sons were involved, and he proudly supported them as they became Eagle Scouts. He was also instrumental in helping his two grandsons make Eagle Scout, Sterling Connor Hanselman and Alex Hanselman.
Bud's faith was the cornerstone of his life, and his love of God was apparent to all who knew him. He considered himself blessed beyond measure, especially when it came to his family and loyal friends who were there for him during the valleys of his life. In his quiet and unassuming way, he definitely "walked the walk and talked the talk", sharing the Gospel as readily as he shared words of encouragement and hope with those who needed it most. He and Nancy joined Northside Community Church in 2004, and he became totally immersed in many aspects of the church, including Sunday School and Bible Study. For years, Bud served on the Board of Trustees, and oversaw the church's major remodeling project during that time.
His beloved wife, Nancy, survives him at home and is left with countless memories of the remarkable life they shared. Together, they raised two sons: S. Keith Hanselman, who resides in Cuyahoga Falls, and Scott Hanselman and his wife, Erin, of East Liverpool. But perhaps their greatest joys were their eight grandchildren: Sterling Connor, Bella, Sophie, Lucy, Kyle, Logan, Alex and Hannah. Six of the grandchildren were the first set of sextuplets born in Ohio. Bud also leaves behind one brother, Tom Hanselman and his wife, Suzanne, of Amherst, NY – as well as several nieces and nephews, and countless friends, because he never met a stranger.
Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Monday, where the family will be present from 2-8 p.m.
Bud's pastor, Larry Rose, will conduct a funeral service at Northside Community Church at 11 a.m. Tuesday where friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery where the Tri-State Veterans Burial Group will conduct military honors. Following the service, a continued time of fellowship will be held at the Northside Church Fellowship Hall, where lunch will be served.
Those wishing to do so may make contributions in Bud's name to Toys for Tots, c/o East Liverpool Fire Department, 626 St. Clair Avenue, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920 or to the Way Station, 125 West Fifth Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920.
The family would like to thank Dr. Appleman and Kelly and the entire staff as well as the caregivers from Hospice of the Valley for their exceptional care they provided to Bud and the family.
View Bud's memorial webpage and express condolences online at www.dawsonfuneralhome.com
11/14/22