Donations in Steve's memory may be made to Marshall University Foundation specifying that the money go to the Dept. of Chemistry; 519 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25703. The family wishes to thank everyone who has helped and supported Steve and his family including Dr. Kathleen O’Hanlon his physician and the staff of 4 North, Cabell-Huntington Hospital and the staff of Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. A wake is planned in the Spring.
He is survived by his wife, Mary and her children, Keith Whitten of Los Angeles and Tyler Whitten of Huntington WV. His children: Dr. Veronica Stephenson Hanrahan Heide (Parry of Madison WI), H, Katherine Hanrahan, and Elizabeth Emerson Hanrahan of Huntington, Emma Surratt Walters of Lexington KY; Two grandchildren, David Parry Heide (Tiffany), Dr. Anne Lendon Heide (Mike Wendt) Milwaukee WI, and two great-grandchilden: Liliana Grace Heide and Charles Marshall Heide, Madison, WI .
Steve was an avid reader and New York Times crossword puzzle aficionado. He completed the puzzle every day of the week, but admitted that Sunday’s puzzle often had a few blank spaces. Music was a constant companion in his life and he enjoyed every form. None made him happier though than singing baritone in the Thundertones barbershop chorus and singing with his quartet. Many thanks to Steve Hutchinson, and all that shared the joys of four-part harmony. He was a judge in barbershop competitions and represented the Johnny Appleseed District as an international judge in the interpretation category.
Steve loved a good game. He loved to play golf at his favorite course, Sugarwood because he was allowed to walk the course which is how he said the game should be played. He was an avid Marshall sports fan and could be found tailgating with his daughter, Elizabeth (Assoc. Dean of the College of Information Technology and Engineering), Bob and Liz Barnett, Robin and Dick Ash and Dan Babb. He has attended Marshall basketball games since first purchasing season tickets in 1963. It didn’t matter what the team’s record was, he was always a loyal supporter.
In 1988 he married Mary Virginia Berner Hanrahan with whom he shared many happy travels and adventures including his annual Navy Reunions. Mary and Steve had great fun and traveled all over the world. Mary and her sons, Tyler and Keith completed his family. Tyler came over every day after work to help Steve and Mary with various projects.
He returned to West Virginia to complete his Masters’ and completed his Ph.D.in 1958 at West Virginia University. He worked for DuPont as a research chemist for 6 years before accepting a position as an assistant professor at Marshall University in 1963. He became Chair of the Dept. of Chemistry and in 1977 became the inaugural Dean of the College of Science. While Dean of the College of Science he oversaw the renovation of the existing Science Building and then the construction of the Science Building addition. While serving in administration, he always insisted on teaching a section of “Principles of Chemistry,” in order to stay in touch with student needs and interests. He published professionally, was active in American Chemical Society and mentored many students who pursued careers in chemistry and medicine.
Born September 8th, 1929 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Steve Hanrahan was the only child of William Parnell Hanrahan and Veronica (Gayle ) Stephenson. He graduated from Parkersburg High School and attended Marietta College for one year before transferring to University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) where he completed his B.S. in Chemistry in June 1952. He was a member of the NROTC and following graduation was commissioned as a first Lieutenant in the United States Navy. He served in active duty in the Korean conflict. He married Harriet Elizabeth Denham in 1953 and they had three daughters together: Veronica, Kathy and Elizabeth.
