In Loving Memory of David Oliver Hanon

A life spent reaching for the stars—June 2, 1944 – July 29, 2025

This website has long been a place where David Oliver Hanon shared his passion for the night sky — the beauty of the universe, the wonder of discovery, and the joy of capturing light from distant stars. Today, it becomes a place to honor his life.

David Oliver Hanon passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, at the age of 81. A resident of Ringgold, Georgia since 1973, David leaves behind a legacy that shines as brightly as the stars he so loved to photograph.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Linda Hanon, and their four children: David Kristian, Letha Renee, Derrick Oliver, and Bradley Duane. He was a proud and adoring grandfather to McKenzie Renee, Jonas Garcia, Addison Renee, Chase Oliver, and Levi Oliver. David’s warmth, wisdom, and sense of wonder will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

David graduated from the University of Chattanooga (now UTC) in 1968 with a degree in Engineering Physics — a fitting foundation for a man whose gaze was always turned skyward. A gifted mind with a passionate heart, he spent his life building, discovering, and documenting beauty.

As a published astronomer and astrophotographer, David’s images of the cosmos appeared in books, magazines, and on the NASA website. He witnessed and photographed five total solar eclipses and countless lunar eclipses, always chasing moments when Earth, moon, and sun aligned in rare perfection.

He wasn’t only a stargazer — he was an adventurer. David hiked the Grand Canyon over a dozen times, completing his final hike at the age of 67. He explored volcanoes in Hawaii, scaled Half Dome in Yosemite, and captured the natural wonders of the world with the same care and curiosity he brought to the night sky. His landscape photography, like his astrophotography, reflected awe, patience, and reverence for creation.

David was an inventor holding multiple patents and a skilled Amateur (Ham) Radio operator, known by his call sign K4DXD. He was among the youngest to ever sit for the FM/Class 1 radio license. A proud Vietnam veteran, he later became a long-time Chattanooga business owner, respected for his ingenuity, perseverance, and integrity.

A faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, David lived his life grounded in faith, humility, and a deep appreciation for God’s creation. Whether under the vast darkness of the night sky or surrounded by family, he lived with purpose and quiet gratitude.

Those who feel so moved are invited to consider supporting the Barnard Astronomical Society of Chattanooga, an organization that reflects David’s lifelong passion for the stars and his deep desire to inspire the next generation of stargazers and explorers.

David believed that the universe was meant to be shared — that wonder grows when curiosity is encouraged and knowledge is passed on. It is our hope that this website, and the work he left behind, will continue to inspire others to look up, explore, and find beauty in the night sky.

With Love,

The Hanon Family