Melvin Vincent "Skip" Hansen, Jr.

Melvin Vincent "Skip" Hansen Jr., a beloved husband, father, entrepreneur, outdoorsman, and U.S. Navy veteran passed away peacefully on the evening of Oct 24th after a long courageous battle with cancer leaving behind a legacy of outdoor sportsmanship, hard work, and dedication to everyone and everything he loved. Born on January 17, 1948, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Skip proudly served in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1971 as a boatswain's mate, instilling in him a strong sense of duty and commitment.

In Las Vegas Nevada, he married Jan Hansen, and together they shared 42 wonderful years filled with love and adventure. For over 50 years, Skip was a fixture in the used car business, dedicating himself to helping customers find reliable used vehicles. In 1982, he moved to Kansas, where he founded J & S Motors in Salina and later opened Truck Store LLC with his son Michael. Their shared passion for the outdoors provided Skip immense joy as they shared countless adventures together.

An avid outdoorsman, Skip loved fishing and archery hunting, often enjoying these activities with his son Michael as well as his friends. He cherished time spent with his family and pets and had a particular passion for restoring and selling old trucks. He enjoyed fishing trips, hunting excursions, listening to classic country music, dancing, and traveling with Jan, all of which showcased his love for nature and adventure. He was a very generous man that gave a lot and expected nothing in return. He loved to joke, had a great sense of humor, and had a true sense of how life should be lived to the fullest. Skip was easy to forgive and never let much bother him or bring him down. He was always happy and enjoyed the life he lived. His fun and competitive nature shined brightly on all he was around.

Skip is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Dean Hansen; father, Melvin Vincent Hansen; sister, DeAnne Kenney; and granddaughter, Kayla Hansen. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jan Hansen; children: Michael Hansen of Brookville, Kansas; Tamara Sanchez of Castle Rock, Colorado; Kristal Cisneros of Taos, New Mexico; and James Hansen of Overland Park, Kansas; as well as six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A private graveside service will be held at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort

Riley/Manhattan. Skip will be remembered for his generosity, fun spirit, kindness, laughter, and the profound impact he had on those around him. His entrepreneurial fun-loving spirit will always be remembered. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of his loved ones.