Robert Mahlon Hanson

HOLLIS – Robert Mahlon Hanson, affectionately known as “Bob,” passed away on June 18, 2026, at the age of 88.

A lifelong resident of Hollis, Bob spent his entire life on Pleasant Hill Road, where he became a respected member of the community and a dedicated public servant whose work touched generations of local residents.

Born on May 25, 1938, to J. Ansel and Evelyn Haley Hanson, Bob learned the value of hard work at an early age. After leaving Hollis High School, he joined his father in the family excavation business, Pleasant Hill Excavators, formerly known as J. Ansel Hanson General Contractor. In 1956, Bob began working for the Town of Hollis, embarking on a career that would span five decades.

In 1972, Bob succeeded his father as Road Commissioner for the Town of Hollis, a position he held until 2006. During his 35 years as Road Commissioner, Bob devoted himself to maintaining and improving the town’s roads and infrastructure. Through countless snowstorms, road repairs, culvert replacements, and emergency responses, he worked tirelessly to keep Hollis residents safe even after his tenure as Road Commissioner ended. He plowed his last route in January of 2025 at the age of 86 never wanting to see a road or driveway go unplowed. His best advice for driving in the snow was to “Slow down!” His dedication, reliability, and commitment to public service earned him the respect and gratitude of the community he loved.

Bob was also deeply involved in local organizations. He was a longtime member of the Hollis Center Fire Department, serving from 1970 to 1993, and was a founding member of the Southern Maine Tractor Club. He was also an active member of the Maine Antique Tractor Club, reflecting his lifelong love of tractors and machinery. He participated in many local parades and tractor pulls with his antique tractor collection bringing both joy and a competitive spirit to all who crossed his path.

Beyond his work and community service, Bob enjoyed his morning coffee in the red barn, cruising the Caribbean, spending time with family and friends, and never passed up a chance to enjoy a scoop of vanilla ice cream. He belonged to a generation defined by hard work, humility, and dedication to family and community. Those who knew him will remember his strong work ethic, practical wisdom, and willingness to help others.

Bob was predeceased by his first wife, Charlene Trynor Hanson; his second wife, Donna Bickford Hanson; his parents, J. Ansel and Evelyn Haley Hanson; and his sister, Mildred E. Hanson.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Wilena Whitten of Hollis; his son, Robert M. Hanson Jr. and partner Heather Meserve of Hollis, his daughter, Rebecca Bowley and husband Lawrence of Hollis; his grandchildren, Loren Bowley Dow and husband Robert of State College, Pa., Brook Bowley of Hollis, and Robert Matthew Hanson of Gorham; his great-grandchildren, Lailah Ashton, Hanson and Russel Robert Dow (both named in honor of their great-grandfather); and his brothers Frank, George, and Paul Hanson of Hollis and South Portland.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 26, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 80 Pleasant Hill Rd., Hollis, with a reception immediately following.

Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, http://www.mainefuneral.com

Interment will be held at a later date.

Bob’s legacy lives on in the roads he maintained, the community he served, and the family he cherished. His steady presence, tireless work ethic, and dedication to helping others will be remembered for generations by the town of Hollis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to

Hollis Fire and Rescue

34 Town Farm Rd.

Hollis, ME 04042

Robert Mahlon Hanson