Kankakee, IL : Clifton teen remembered after fatal crash on Sunday, 18th September 2016

William Hanson, the 16-year-old junior at Central High School in Clifton, who died in a single-car crash Sunday in Iroquois County, followed his family's traditions throughout his life. He showed sheep nationally, worked on cars and trucks and loved farming.

Like the rest of his family, Hanson was well-known in the local 4-H and agriculture scenes. He was an eight-year member of the Milks Grove 4-H Club and a FFA member at Central High School.

Hanson was competitive in showing sheep and goats but also got into judging. He showed sheep nationally and even had "SHEEP" on the license plate of his 2005 Chevy Silverado.

"To know William was to love William," said Brian Behrends, co-leader of the Milks Grove 4-H Club. "He made himself known no matter where he went. He left a lasting impression on everybody. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone, no matter how old. I couldn't have asked for a better 4-H member."

As a freshman at Central, he completely memorized the FFA creed. As a sophomore, he earned the Steve Hanson Outstanding Judge of the Year Award, which was named in honor of his uncle. He went to state last year for the Creed Speaking Competition.

"He always had this big cheesy smile from ear to ear," said Bill Bretzmen, co-advisor of the Central FFA. "He liked to have fun and joke around. He was very intelligent and had a lot of natural talent. He absolutely loved farming, and he had a bright future ahead of him."

Outside of school, Hanson and his twin brother, E.N., refurbished trucks and tractors. They bought a 1955 Chevy pickup truck together and planned on restoring it. Hanson also competed in local tractor pulls, and helped his father and grandfather grow corn and soybeans.

"He followed the family traditions," said Larry Haigh, Hanson's cousin and program coordinator for Iroqouis County 4-H. "He had a passion for ag and 4-H. Everyone knew him because he was very outgoing. He just loved farming."

Source :
Clifton teen remembered after fatal crash