Elmer 'Sonny' Joseph Hannan

Elmer J. Hannan passed away in Napa, February 3, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born in Petaluma, California, on August 10th, 1932, to Elmer Joseph and Freda Marie (Waldemar) Hannan.

One of the high lights in Sonny life was during 1940 when he and his father began horse rides at Guernwood Park and the following year, pony rides for the children.

Later Elmer and his father offered hayrides every night including a wienie roast.

Later Sonny drove gravel trucks along with his dear friend, Bob King. He fell in love with his Peter Built trucks. Sonny kept them immaculate, with all the chrome polished to perfection. Later he hauled lumber from Northern California to Los Angeles.

For years Sonny stood Quarter Horse stallions such as Geronimo Jr., Poco Conejo, Dyketown, Sir Raleigh, Skippers Lad, and Doc’s Scat Bar. He and his wife show horses in Northern California, Arizona, and Nevada. They achieved champion horses such as Skips Sierra Nick, Superior World and Congress champion. Babe Starlet, AQHA Champion Show Me The Town, two times World Champion Aged Mare and AQHA Champion, Dyketown, Arizona Sun Circuit Reserve Champion, many others. One-year winning California Breeder of most performance horses.

Sonny leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Gail; and his son Richard Hannan. His sister-in-law, Lynne Hannan of Petaluma, Michael Hannan and son Nathalie of Santa Rosa, Danny (Tami) Hannan, Tiffany Hannan of Fulton, CA, and Dylan Hannan of Hawaii. Brother-in-law Daniel “Jack” (Julie) Andreasen of Natalia, Texas, and nephew and nieces; Nancy Reeser of Reno, Nevada, Linda (Butch) Carpenter of Dixion, Donna Lavallee of Dixion, CA and Rich Reeser Jr (Kathleen) of Dixion. Deanna (Mike) Smith of Natalia, Texas, Michelle (Russell) Aiton of Eureka.CA. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents Elmer J. Hannan, Sr. and Freda M. (Waldmar) Hannan, his sister Vi (Richard) Reeser, and his brother Lee (Lynne) Hannan,

Special mention: Ash Maack, for the last 10 years working with and caring for him to the degree of Sonny calling her to fix his tire. She continued to care for him until Sonny passed. He often referred to her as his adopted daughter.

Graveside services will be Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:00 pm. at Cypress Hill Memorial Park, 430 Magnolia Avenue, Petaluma, CA.