Cody Hanna
Cody Hanna, Distinguished Graduate Inducted 2017
The late Judge Cody A. Hanna was a man of great integrity to those who knew him. He supported his school and community. Cody Hanna was born in Pittsburg, Kansas in 1944, moved to Long Lane, Missouri in Dallas County at the age of 5 and remained a Dallas County resident. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1962. After his high school career, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Missouri State University in 1971 and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia School of Law in 1974. Also during this time, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966 and served on active duty through 1969 earning his Air Crewman wings and numerous decorations. In 1969 he joined the Naval Reserve and was commissioned a Naval Officer in 1973. After serving aboard various ships and stations including the USS Missouri (BB-63), he retired in 1995 with the rank of Commander after 28 years of service to his country. Also, during this time he married his wife, Judy Carol Sayer of Springfield in 1970. That was the best thing he had ever done. They were married 41 years at the time of his death in 2012.
Mr. Hanna established his private law practice in Buffalo, Missouri in 1974 and continued through 1989. He was appointed Associate Circuit Judge in 1989 and was then re-elected and five more times spanning 17 years of service. He also served as Probate Judge in Dallas County. He enjoyed this service to his community the greatest.
Cody A. Hanna maintained his Private Pilot Land and Sea with Instrument Rating. For many years he would take Dallas County 6th graders, accompanied by a parent, on their first airplane ride under the Young Eagle program. He broadened the horizons of at least 75 students.
Cody A. Hanna served his community in many ways including his membership in Buffalo Rotary Club, the Catholic Church, VFW Post 4080, Masonic Lodge #361, the National Rifle Association, serving on the Board of Directors at the Bank of Urbana, and many other organizations. He enjoyed giving back to his community.
He and his wife Judy enjoyed their small acreage raising Polled Herefords for several years. He also, enjoyed going to sea whenever he got the chance.