Arthur "Art" Edward Hanson

1946 ∼ 2020

Arthur "Art" Edward Hanson

Art's funeral service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/events/656550018572587

Arthur Edward Hanson began life on October 23, 1946 as the third of four children born to Adeline “Tootsie” and Charles V. “Swede” Hanson.  All four siblings attended Trinity Lutheran Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson High School with Art graduating in l963.  He then went to Lamar University and later served in the Army National Reserve Corps for several years.

Art was an avid music lover and found his calling as a disk jockey.  He built a huge fan base, becoming known as Get Down Brown, while traveling across the area from Crystal Beach to the Nederland Heritage Festival playing his music. He then moved into the nightclub business working at Club Lafitte and The Red Carpet Inn.

Still wanting to expand, he opened his own free-standing nightclub on College Street in Beaumont, Texas and named it Get Down Brown’s.  There he hosted countless musicians such as Tracy Byrd, Mark Chestnut and Clay Walker, just to name a few.

He had a great love for cooking and decided to add a catering business to his endeavors.  His go to choice was BBQ and he went on to compete and win many BBQ cook-offs including the World Championship Cook-Off at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Art moved on from the College Street location to Get Down Brown’s at the Holiday Inn on llth Street. Numerous clubs and restaurants followed from Royal Street Grill, The Sidebar at the Stedman and Bourbon Street Bar & Grill to Hog Wild at Crockett Street. He was also the property manager of the Crockett Street Entertainment District when he retired in early 2020.

With a career spanning over 50 years, Art made his living entertaining the masses. Rest in Peace Get Down Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda Dumphy, his son Ryan Hanson and wife Alysa, his daughter Tracie Hanson, his sister Barbara Smithy and his brother David Hanson, as well as three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Art was preceded in death by his brother Charles V. “Junior” Hanson, III.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 15, 2020, from 5pm to 8pm.  The funeral service will take place Friday, October 16, 2020 at 11am with both services taking place at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home, Groves, Texas.  Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations to be made to Boys Haven of America, 3655 N. Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 in memory of Art.

Due to the Covid-19 crisis we are currently in, all visitors are required to wear face mask or coverings and practice social distancing as mandated by the state and county officials.

Condolences

Joan March 23, 2023
I’m sorry to hear that Art has passed away.  I worked for him as his top bartender from 1977 to 1985 starting at the Red Carpet Inn, the Holiday Inn,  and Get Down Browns.  He always treated me fairly.  He gave me a very special gift at Christmas one year in appreciation for all my hard work.  He, Craig, his nephew and myself got the same gift which I still wear today many years later.  My condolences to his family.  He was a good guy.
Linda Allen October 31, 2020
I just saw this on Facebook! The name sounded so familiar so me and my husband were talking about art and trying to figure out how did we know him? My husband Leslie and I grew up in the Beaumont area and we danced many a song at get down Brown’s at the holiday inn on 11th St.! So sorry for your loss God bless his soul Lord have mercy on us all!
Linda Allen October 31, 2020
I just saw this on Facebook! The name sounded so familiar so me and my husband were talking about art and trying to figure out how did we know him? My husband Leslie and I grew up in the Beaumont area and we danced many a song at get down Brown’s at the holiday inn on 11th St.! So sorry for your loss God bless his soul Lord have mercy on us all!
Cathee Vangundy Brackin October 17, 2020
Art was a very special man, he was much loved, he will be greatly missed. I was honored to know him and my prayers go out to his family.
Evelina Ayesha) S. Ross October 16, 2020
Art Hanson(Get Down Brown) was a very nice person. Always cordial. Remember him back in the day when I worked at KJET-KWIC Radio Stations. His presence in Beaumont will be missed. Heart ❤️ Felt Condolences to the Family
Raye Chatagnier October 16, 2020
Rest In Peace Thoughts and love to you Tracie
Chet A Dupuis October 16, 2020
Tracie and Ryan, so sorry for your loss.
Tommy Spires October 16, 2020
Been friends since college and the ambulance service days. Took me in when I broke my leg on a motorcycle back in the day. A lot of good memories you always came thru when things were bad. Condolences to your family. RIP brother
Linda Hailey October 15, 2020
Art was old  friend  he my cousin  Jerry Lacroix were great friend he even helped with Jerry funeral.   God speed Art. Prayers fir his family
Michele M Zernial October 15, 2020
RIP Art. Many good times and adventures with good friends and good music. Whether it was on the dance floor or riding motorcycles. You will not be forgotten Art. Our sincerest condolences to Melinda and family. God Bless. From The Zernial's
Shirley Carlsen October 15, 2020
Y AWESOME. COUSIN WE. HAD A LOT OF AWESOME MEMORIES. GREAT TIMES. YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED .YOU HAD A HUGE HEART AND ALWAYS THOUGHT OF EVERYONE ...MAY YOU R.I.P
Carol Hettinger October 15, 2020
I only met Art a handful of times but he was always a warm soul, caring and fun loving. my deepest sympathy to the family he will be missed. Deepest condolences Carol Hettinger
Roxy October 14, 2020
Art was the Man who kept “the music playing in Beaumont”!Great inspiration to all people who want to do start businesses up. He was  was definitely a doer or not a sit back and wait person. He was great man and everybody who knew him well ...loved him He will be greatly missed by his friends, family and the city of Beaumont Texas. Prayers go out to Ryan and his family. RIP Mr. Art Hanson ❣️
Tiffiney Davis October 14, 2020
Prayers for you, your family and extended family. Thanks for having us great memories and some awesome food throughout the years!
Dr. Thomas Noyola October 13, 2020
Art was instrumental in helping me coordinate a Chilli Cooking Contest among University Departments to raise funds for scholarships. Needless to say, the event was a total success! He will be missed🇺🇸
Tim Pierce October 13, 2020
Gonna miss you buddy. The time we spent together at Hogwild and on our rides were some of the best in my life. I'll see you in the next life my friend.
Pat Dionne Dombek October 13, 2020
Pat Dionne Dombek My dear friend Arthur there are not enough words to express my deep sorrow. There are people that have helped me so much and you are at the top of that list. I thank you for all you did for me and the love you showered me with. I so hope you know how grateful I am of all you did for me. It was a pleasure singing at your clubs for the years I was employed by you. You rescued me from a really bad situation and helped me be productive. I loved you and respected you so much. The days we all shared together are very rare, and the best anyone could have experienced. I love you my friend.
Patricia Dombek October 13, 2020
My dear friend Arthur there are not enough words to express my deep sorrow. There are people that have helped me so much and you are at the top of that list. I thank you for all you did for me and the love you showered me with. I so hope you know how grateful I am of all you did for me. It was a pleasure singing at your clubs for the years I was employed by you. You rescued me from a really bad situation and helped me be productive. I loved you and respected you so much. The days we all shared together are very rare, and the best anyone could have experienced. I love you my friend.
Wayne Taylor October 13, 2020
R.I.P. Thomas Jefferson High School 1964 Graduate. I remember the early days in Port Arthur, most of us had 1955 Chevy's and 1957 Chevy's. Art had a very nice 1956 Chevy.
Heather Mcdougald Anderson October 13, 2020
A few of the things that Art gave to me freely: Love, without condition. Support, during some of the most difficult times in my life. Direction, which usually included a stern "Be Nice" admonishment. A soft place to land, any time it was needed. Laughter, both with him and because of him. An awareness of those less fortunate, and an obligation to quietly help. A love of Shenanigans and Tomfoolery. Countless friends, that became Family, Lots of Adventures, both serious and silly, and more Memories than can be counted. I am forever grateful.
Brenda Travis October 13, 2020
Our paths crossed many times over the years through family, friends  and venues. My deepest condolences to each of you.
Clare Cammack October 13, 2020
Melinda & family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Prayers for strength & comfort for the time to come. Clare Cammack
Cheryl Bergeron Light October 13, 2020
It truly saddens me to hear about the passing of Art. We became friends at 10 years old in Port Arthur and remained friends throughout life. My prayers are with the Hanson family. RIP 🎶🙏
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Services & Events

event Visitation

location_on Clayton Thompson Funeral Directors, 5200 West Parkway Street, Groves, 77619
directions Get Directions
schedule Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

event Funeral Service

location_on Clayton Thompson Funeral Directors, 5200 West Parkway Street, Groves, 77619
directions Get Directions
schedule Friday, October 16, 2020 at 11:00 AM

event Burial

location_on Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves, 77619
directions Get Directions
schedule Friday, October 16, 2020 at 12:00 PM