Rev. Hance

Rev. Lawrence R. “Larry” Hance, 80 of Beardstown, died Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Heritage Health in Mt. Sterling.

He was born February 22, 1935 in Beardstown, the son of Clifford J. “Bud” and Beartice L. Baehr. He married Marilyn M. Bridgewater on April 15, 1960 in Beardstown.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Hance of Beardstown, his children Merle (wife Sandy) Hance of Fieldon, IL, Kathy Harland of Omaha, NE, Tracy Hance of Rapid City, SD, Rev. Clifford “Bud” (wife Sandy) Hance of Arenzville, Lisa (husband Dennis) Lierheimer of Beardstown, and Michael (wife Christy) Hance of Tallula; 14 grandchildren Chris Hance, Stephanie Berton, Brad, Brian, and Brandon Dilly, Christi Orcutt, Lindsay Monk, Elizabeth Hance, Lisa Hance, Kyle and Kaitlin Hance, Shauna Lierheimer, Chelsea Herter, and Kayla Hance; 14 great grandchildren, two brothers Charles (wife Judy Hance) of Beardstown and Lafe (wife Jodi) Baehr, Jr. of CO; and two sisters Evelyn (husband Owen) Hammon of Meredosia, and Betty (husband Ken) Rennie of OR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Robbie Hance, and three brothers Raymond and Ronnie Hance, and Donald Baehr.

Larry attended Beardstown schools. He began ministering as a pastor in 1962. Throughout his career he served the communities of Waterford, IL, Lawrenceville, IL, Red Oak , IA, Knoxville, IA, Mexico, MO, Palm Harbor, FL, St. David, IL, Maples Mills, IL, and retired from Bethel Community Church of the Nazarene, Arenzville, IL in 2011. Larry was a carpenter, welder and also a bus driver. He loved driving a bus as it was an opportunity for him to meet others and he saw it more as a ministry than work. His passion was southern gospel music in which he recorded and sang for all to enjoy. Serving the communities in which God placed him and his family was his priority but no one could take care of him as did his beloved wife, Marilyn. He will be missed by all who loved him but especially his family.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Bethel Community Church of the Nazarene, Arenzville, IL. with Rev. Layton Malone and Rev. Fred Fritz officiating. Burial will be in the Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 4-7 PM Wednesday at Bethel Community Church of the Nazarene.

Memorials have been suggested to Bethel Community Church of the Nazarene.

Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.

Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.