Dr. William J. Hanshaw

Dr. William J. Hanshaw, age 86, of Quincy, died peacefully in Fifer Infirmary, Illinois Veterans Home, on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. He was a man from humble beginnings who was dedicated to serving his family, country, and community of Quincy, IL, where he made his home for 51 years. Dr. Hanshaw was devoted and impassioned by all his callings; husband, father, doctor, airman, mentor, Sunday school teacher, and local theater actor. He was born March 3, 1936, in the coal mining town of Putney, WV, the son of H. Lamont Hanshaw and E. Virginia Shafer, the first of three children. On December 24, 1957, he married Carrie Jane Toler, in Davin, WV. She preceded him in death on May 20, 2021. From those humble beginnings, Dr. Hanshaw earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from University of Charleston, WV, in 1957, a Master of Science degree in bacteriology from The Ohio State University in 1959, and a Doctor of Medicine degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1964. He served in the United States Air Force from 1963-1968. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Captain Hanshaw commanded the 553rd Medical Service Flight in Vinh Binh Province in South Vietnam's ...[more]

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ong Delta region. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was Chief of the Dermatology Clinic at Langley AFB, VA. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Dr. Hanshaw completed a three-year residency in Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Hanshaw and his family moved to Quincy in 1971, where he began his career as a dermatologist at Physician's and Surgeon's Clinic, before opening his own practice in the late 1970s. A passionately devoted physician, he cared for generations of families and patients. He retired in 2013, culminating 42 years of practice in Quincy, and nearly 50 years in the medical field. He was a distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and was Board Certified. Dr. Hanshaw served as Adjunct Faculty at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He was a member of the Adams County Board of Health and Adams County Medical Society where he served as past president for both. In addition to his medical professional affiliations, he was a member of the Quincy Rotary Club and a 50-year supporter of the Disabled American Veterans. A longtime member of First Union Congregational Church, he enjoyed teaching Sunday school and bible study. He cherished the performing arts and loved acting in theatrical performances at Quincy Community Little Theatre. His other avocations included reading, writing, music, classic cinema, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include his daughter, Col Susan L. Hanshaw (USAF), of Quincy, a son, William A. Hanshaw, PhD, of Middleton, WI, and sister, Sandra L. Hanshaw of Overland Park, KS. Dr. Hanshaw was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carrie J. Hanshaw, and brother, Wayne Hanshaw. Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 pm Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home Services: 10:00 am Friday, January 20, 2023at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Chaplain Dave Hall officiating. Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois with full military honors conducted by American Legion Post 37 and the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the Disabled American Veterans. Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/ Arrangements: Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors www.hansenspear.com