Dr. Cary Hanni

Dr. Cary Hanni, 72, of Indianapolis, formerly of Evansville, passed away Friday, September 18, 2020, at Deaconess Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 8, 1947, in Decatur to Robert B. and Joyce J. (Fields) Hanni. He was married in 1972 to Vicki Agler.
He attended Geneva High School and graduated from Indiana Central College, which became the University of Indianapolis. He was a middle school math teacher, when he decided to return to school to become a physician. He completed his medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine, then completed his internship and general surgery residency at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He did his vascular fellowship at St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis. He worked as a surgeon in Evansville from 1987-2012 at Deaconess Hospital. He was a general and vascular surgeon with a passion for trauma. He was a member of the Evansville Surgical Associates Group. He began the trauma program at Deaconess Hospital and eventually became the medical director of trauma from 2003 to 2008. He was on the board of the Indiana State Trauma Systems Administrative Task Force. He helped to ensure that Deaconess Hospital became a level 2 trauma center.
He was a passionate and patient oriented physician using his knowledge to keep abreast of new techniques and always staying on the cutting edge. He was supportive of the entire medical team and was appreciative of the nurses and all other health team members. He continued his medical service to the community as the trauma outreach medical director from 2009-2019, helping with trauma around the area of southern Indiana and Eldorado, Illinois. He strived for patients in the area to receive the best medical care. He worked tirelessly to achieve that goal. He was very supportive of the USI sonography program, helping to make it a successful venture.
He continued helping in the community with Deaconess Hospital and various other organizations, including two Habitat for Humanity builds and overseas medical missions to El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. Over his lifetime, he received many recognitions and awards.
His family was the center of his life. He was devoted to his wife of 48 years. He was proud of all his children and their accomplishments. He was the number one supporter of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they participated in all their school and extra-curricular activities. In 2018, he and his wife moved to Indianapolis to live closer to their children during his retirement years.
He was passionate about University of Indianapolis and Indiana University both his alma maters. During the football season, you could always find him tailgating in his favorite spot, enjoying the food and camaraderie of other tailgaters. He excelled in golf, playing from the time he was a little boy to collegiate golf at Indiana Central College. He played everywhere from family outings in Arizona to courses around the world. Some of his favorite moments were spent out on the golf course with his wife and good friends. His favorite out of town get away was on the Baja in Cabo, Mexico, where he loved whale watching and spending time with friends. He was a voracious reader, especially books on history. At home, he loved his black lab, Annie. She was his constant companion. He was an amazing man, and with his passing, the world became a little bit dimmer and heaven became a little bit brighter. He is survived by his wife of Indianapolis; two sons, Mark (Kelly) Hanni of Ashland, Kentucky; and Blair (Christa) Hanni of Indianapolis; three daughters, Larissa Davids; and Kristine (Scott) Dozier, both of Indianapolis; and Erin (Ryan) Cassell of Conway, Arkansas; 17 grandchildren, Kena Broomall; Kate Hanni; Ashleigh, Brian and Ben Davids; Abigail, Lucy, Jack and Beau Cassell; Bailey and Ashlynn Riley; Harper and Addison Hanni; and Griffin, Bixler, Rory and Leo Dozier; three great-grandchildren, Emilia and Knox Broomall; and Emelia Davids; sister, Karen Hanni of Monticello; three brothers, Kevin (Peni) Hanni of Indianapolis; Don Hanni of Fort Meyers, Florida; and Duane (Michelle) Hanni of Battleground; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert Hanni.
Funeral service will be held for family members only. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 26 from 4-8 p.m. at 14315 Petersburg Road, Evansville. Friends of the Hanni family are all welcome.
Memorials may be made to the Hanni Family Scholarship Fund at the University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227 or Deaconess Hospital Foundation—Trauma Services, 600 Mary St., Evansville, IN 47710 or Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, 560 E. Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711.
Arrangements provided by Browning Funeral Home in Evansville. Online condolences may be made at www.browningfuneral.com.