Milton "Jad" Hanner

A graveside service for Milton Hanner, “Jad”, as he was lovingly known to family and friends, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in the Hopping Cemetery, located in Wayne, Oklahoma. Jad an only child, was born August 21, 1931, at the Hanner Ranch in Wayne, OK to Loma (Yeary) Hanner and David “Dick” Crockett Carruth Hanner. Brothers had married sisters, and his “double cousins” were more like the brothers and sisters he never had.

Jad passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, at the age of 93, surrounded by his family. He was blessed to see a 5th generation born, when his great-great granddaughter Sloan entered the world on June 2nd, which would have been the 72nd birthday of Jad’s son Perry. He was one of OKC Thunder’s biggest fans and was excited that he got to see his #1 team become the NBA Champions! Go Thunder!

While attending school at Purcell, he participated in football and baseball, excelling at baseball in the position of catcher, making the All-State and All Conference teams. His long-time coach, Boney Matthews, said that he couldn’t play basketball because he “ran too long in the same spot”.

Following graduation in 1950, he joined the U.S. Air Force and honorably discharged in 1954 ranking as Tech Sergeant. Jad received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal as well as Commendable Leader acknowledgments.

Jad married Gerry Perry Hanner Schroeder in Hobart, and they had two children, Perry & Paula. He later was married to Helen Elaine Bentley until her passing in 2013.

He never used the word quit and hard work was the only kind of work he knew. Rancher, fuel and winch truck driver, prison guard, refinery catalysts units, road foreman, nurseryman and bull rider best describe the life he led.

Jad served as President of the Oklahoma County Defined Benefits Retirement Board and as an elected member of the Oklahoma County Retirement Board. He was also an active member of the American Legion, NRA and Quarter Horse Association for over 50 years. He was proclaimed an Honorary Lieutenant Governor of the State of Oklahoma by Governor George Nigh.

A big thrill was riding “drag” on the reenactment of the Chisolm Trail from Yukon to the Express Ranch. Proudly showing off his children: Big Boy (long horn); Sandy & Strawberry (registered quarter horses); Bubba, Sweetie Pie and Cutie Pie (Donkeys); Oliver & Gunner (dachshunds) to the Overholser Lake goers was his favorite pastime.

Recently, Jad had been under the loving care of Cottonwood Creek Skilled Nursing and Legacy Family Hospice, to whom the family extends a special thank you.

He was preceded in death by his son, Perry David and son-in-Law, Donnie Wilson.

He is survived by daughter, Paula Wilson; grandchildren, M’lynn Hanes and husband Billy, Gerron Smith and wife Kimberly, Shandii Grantham and husband David; great grandchildren M’Kenzie Selman and husband Kaleb, May’cee and Maxx McDaugale, Jack, Ben and Cal Smith, Cole Grantham; great-great granddaughter, Sloan Selman; special sons; David Vinson and wife Malinda and Doug Waggaman and wife Tracey and their families; and other extended family and friends.

There is no viewing for Jad.

Interment is under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home, Chickasha, Oklahoma.