Life story Bill D. Hans, 80, of Madison, died Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at King's Daughters' Hospital. Born on March 2, 1934 in Madison, he was the son of John Clifford and Dora Elizabeth (Crutchlow) Hans. He was a graduate of Dupont Manual High School in Louisville, KY. He attended the University of Louisville, where he studied music theory and choral conducting, and Hanover College, where he studied organ under Ruth Graham and Harold Morrison. He attended numerous conferences for church musicians, at sites such as the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Houston, Texas, and National City Church (Disciples of Christ), Washington, DC. He retired in 1996 as an assistant vice-president for the former Madison Bank and Trust Company, where he had been employed since 1951. He served as the MB&TC Hanover branch manager for many years. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and was certified as a Master Gardener through the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Bill was a church organist for more than 60 years, locally serving in that capacity at First Baptist and Hanover Presbyterian churches, and as church organist and choir director at Christ Episcopal Church, Madison First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Madison Presbyterian Church. He also was the organist for 10 years for Sunday afternoon services enjoyed by residents at Madison State Hospital. He played for countless weddings, sometimes for multiple generations of the same families. He was the staff organist for the Lytle Funeral Chapel, a position he held at the time of his death. For many years, Bill offered his musical talents in support of community events such as the annual Nights before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes. He was also a featured organist on the Madison Bicentennial music CD playing the Felgemaker tracker organ at First Baptist Church, where he was a member of the organ restoration committee. For the past twenty-eight years, Bill looked forward to the annual vacation with his wife, Peggy, at the beach in South Carolina. A particular highlight of other travels enjoyed by Bill and Peggy was their trip several years ago to Europe. In the three weeks spent driving throughout Spain and Portugal, Bill was continually on the lookout for churches where he could play historic organs. Survivors include his wife, the former Elizabeth "Peggy" (McMurray) Becker; one sister, Ellen Trowbridge, Columbus, Indiana; three nieces: Liz Hans, Merrill, Wisconsin; Teresa Moody, Columbus, Indiana; and Cheri Vance and her husband, Rick, Dupont, Indiana; two nephews: Mark Trowbridge and his wife, Debbie, Elizabethtown, Indiana; Richard Hans and his wife, Deenna, Cokato, Minnesota; one step-son, Ted Becker, and his wife, Barbara, East Lansing, Michigan; one step-daughter, Christine Gower, and her husband, Scott, Howell, Michigan; granddaughters Lexa, Stephanie, and Valerie Becker; grandsons Garrett and Hayden Gower; four cousins: Lloyd Edens, Lexington and Middlesboro, Kentucky; Marilyn Lovell and Jack Baker, Arizona; and Ronald Baker, Oregon. He is also survived by several great-nephews and nieces. Bill was fond of all living things, but none more so than his two cats, Ferdinand and Isabel, who miss him terribly. The many well-tended flowers and plants in his gardens are a testament to his love and care for "all things bright and beautiful." He especially enjoyed gathering friends and family on his patio every year at Chautauqua to sample his signature margaritas. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard G. Hans, on December 13, 2011, and his brother-in-law, Glen Trowbridge, on October 3, 2011. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Christ Episcopal Church, Madison, with interment to follow in Springdale Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the Lytle Funeral Chapel from 5 to 8 pm Friday, June 6, 2014 and from 10 am to noon, Saturday, June 7. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church or to River Valley Resources Clearinghouse Project. Contribution envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. Visitation DetailsFriday June 6, 2014 5:00pm - 8:00pmSaturday June 7, 2014 10:00am - 12:00pmService InformationSaturday June 7, 2014 1:00pm, Christ Episcopal Church Interment Details To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bill D. Hans, please visit our floral store.