Hansel Lanton Church

Hansel Lanton Church, born September 27, 1933, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on
December 23, 2023 in Canton Ga.

Hansel was born and raised in Beech Mountain Community, Elk Park, North Carolina. In 1956, Hansel
moved to Atlanta, Ga., where he later met his wife of 58 years, Doris Church, and the couple eventually
settled in Marietta, Ga., where they raised their family. In 2007, Hansel and Doris moved to Canton, Ga.

Hansel is preceded in death by his parents Truman and Erleen Church and his brother Winston Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Doris Church; his children, Stan Church and his wife Kristin
Church, Stacey Prettyman and her husband Jim Prettyman, Tim Church and his wife Cyndi Church; his
grandchildren Kaitlin Callies and her husband Nick, Kelby Church and his wife Jena, Madison Church, and
Julian Hames; and his great grandchildren Hayden and Juliana.

Because of his vast experiences in life, being raised on a farm during the great depression, working
various jobs in many different states before settling in Atlanta and working for Otis Elevator Company
for over 30 years, Hansel was known as a man who could fix anything mechanical: “if he couldn’t fix it, it
couldn’t be fixed.”

In his retirement years, he loved to spend his time in his wood-working shop making incredible pieces of woodwork that he gave to family and friends.

 Hansel’s most important love in his life was his wife, Doris. He lived every day as a devoted husband, and nothing made him happier than making sure his family was safe and secure. Affectionately known as “Papa” by his grandchildren,
Hansel loved his family and his giving and compassionate nature was felt by anyone who met him, not to
mention a good joke and a hardy laugh.

 As man of faith in Christ, he was devoted to his church family, and his life stands as an example of how to give, live, and love. His physical being will be missed, but his memory and presence will live on forever in the many lives he touched.

A funeral service will be held on Friday December 29, 2023 in the chapel of Canton Funeral Home at 11:00am followed by interment at Macedonia Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Thursday December 28, 2023 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm and again on Friday December 29, 2023 from 10:00am until the funeral hour at 11:00am.

Canton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Church family.