Obituary of Donald Lynn Nance

Donald Lynn Nance (Donnie) died March 26, 2015 peacefully at his home in Blanco, Texas surrounded by his loving family. He enjoyed the many visits from so many special family and friends in the preceding days. Donnie was born in Orange, Texas on October 13, 1929 to Eugene and Barbara (Smaihall) Nance. He attended Lutcher Stark High School and Lamar State College of Technology in the Department of Diesel Engines. He was also an admired fast-pitch softball pitcher and enjoyed watching all sports throughout his life. Donnie was a U.S. Army veteran and served in active duty overseas. He retired from Chevron after 35 years of faithful service. On December 29, 1972, Donnie married the love of his life Betty Hamilton. Together they raised three boys who respected and admired him greatly. After retirement, Donnie enjoyed tending his yard and garden, fishing at his catfish pond in Woodville, hunting deer and turkeys in Blanco, watching cowboy movies (especially those starring John Wayne) and spending time with his nine grandchildren. Papaw’s pancakes and fried catfish were always a special treat for everyone! He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Nance of Blanco, Texas, sons and daughter-in-laws, Tim Nance and wife Lisa also of Blanco, Gary Nance and his wife Michelle of Dripping Springs, Texas, and Dean Nance and his wife Miranda of Port Arthur, Texas and grandchildren, Mason, Callie Jane, Madison, Caleb, Bret Leigh, Olivia, Zyle, Preston, and Avery Marie. He is also survived by his brother and sisters-in-law, Louis and Carol Nance, Earlene Nance, and Dell Nance all of Orange, Texas and Dorothy Stewart of Roanoke, Texas, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, and five brothers Robert, Wilmer Lee, Bill, James, and Jack Nance. Serving as pallbearers are Tim Nance, Gary Nance, Dean Nance, Mason Nance, Caleb Nance, Zyle Nance, Preston Nance, Ernest Nance, Skipper Nance, Chipper Nance, Lowell Nance, and Wendell Tilley. Honorary pallbearers are Edward Hamilton, Kenneth Hamilton, Bill Hamilton, Howard Dufner, Kenneth Ray, Tolly Shults, and Billy Shults. Visitation will be held from 9-11 am Saturday, April 4, 2015 followed by a celebration of Donnie’s life at Riley’s Funeral Home at 11:00 am in Woodville, Texas with his nephew, Brother Clay Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at Campground Cemetery immediately after the service. Friends and family are invited to share a meal immediately following the burial at New Shiloh Baptist Church Fellowship Hall across from the cemetery. The family would like to extend special thanks to Gentiva Hospice, especially to his nurse, Billy Goerdt, for their compassionate and special care extended to Donnie and his family. Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice of San Marcos, Texas or to the charity of your choice.