William “Jack” Han, 85, longtime Erie resident, died at 8:17 p/m. Thursday, September 9, 2010 at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.

He was born April 12, 1925 at McCune, a son of Ernest Melvin and Meda (Morrow) Han. He grew up in McCune and attended school there. He then attended the Pittsburg State Teachers College, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Administration and a Minor in Library Science, Speech, Biology and History. In 1943 he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and served in the Pacific Theatre, a part of the Joint Assault Signal Company attached to the Second Division. He was involved in the Battle of Okinawa and the occupation of Japan. He was discharged in July 1946 and returned to Kansas.

He began his teaching career in 1950 at Eureka where he was the school librarian. In 1951 he moved to Fredonia, where he was librarian also. He began his career in administration at Galva, Kan., in 1953 and was here until moving to Blue Mound in 1956. He was Superintendent at Blue Mound until moving to Spring Hill in 1961. He was Superintendent at Spring Hill from 1961-1966, and then moved to Erie. He served as Superintendent of CUSD 101 until his retirement in 1987. He was recognized by the Kansas State University as Rural Administrator of the Year. While Superintendent of the Erie school district, Jack was instrumental in the establishment of the Greenbush Service Center.

He was united in marriage to Phyllis Pippin on June 3, 1950 at Fredonia. She survives, of the home.

He was an active member of the First Christian Church at Erie, having served as both Church Moderator and Vice Moderator. He also served on the Pastoral Relations Committee and has been an Elder for many years. He was also a member of the Christian Church Elder Emeritus, the Blue Mound Masonic Lodge., and the George L. Hendrick’s Post No. 102, American Legion. He received his 50-year pin from the Legion in 2009. He also served on the Greenbush board and the Superintendent Council at Topeka.

In addition to his wife, survivors include:

Two sons – Kevin Jay Han, Topeka, Shawn Kent Han, Erie; one daughter – Susan (Shelley) Michelle Craven, Erie; Four grandchildren; Four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son – Jon Kerry Han; a brother – Ernest Han, Jr.; and a sister – Dortha Monnat.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Paul Elliott officiating. Burial will be in the East Hill Cemetery with military honors given by the George L. Hendricks Post No. 102, American Legion. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the PIERCE-CARSON-WALL FUNERAL HOME, where the casket will be open. The casket will remain closed during the funeral Wednesday. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 182, Erie, KS 66733. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.