MSGT Norman Dean Lance, Sr., of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, at the age of 93.
He was born Nov. 9, 1926, in Bradford, Arkansas, the son of John Henry “Jake” and Jewel (Riggs) Lance.
Lance was a United States Air Force veteran, serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Mr. Lance met Miss Nae Oshiro, and together they began a family. Throughout his military career, he was stationed around the world, and all over the United States. He reached the rank of Master Sergeant and retired in 1975 at the Blytheville Air Force Base.
Following his time in the military, he and his family settled in Newport, where he went to work at American Lantern.
Lance enjoyed watching sports, particularly Cardinal and Razorback athletics. He was an avid outdoorsman, who spent time hunting, fishing, and shelling on the White River.
Lance grew up attending Old Glaise Baptist Church and was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, John Henry Lance, Jr., and Charles Henry Lance; one sister, Laura Ann (Lance) Snook; and his parents.
Lance is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nae (Oshiro) Lance of the home; two sons, Norman Dean Lance, Jr., and wife Rebecca of Columbus, Ohio, and John Louis Lance and wife, Cara, of Leavenworth, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Alexandria Lance, Larissa Reyes and husband, Kenneth, Kelsey Conner and husband, Ryan, Louis Lance, Katie Lance, Henry Lance, and Maggie Lance; one great-grandchild, Josie Reyes; his dog, Jr.; and a lifetime of friends.
Graveside services are 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Coffeyville Cemetery with Mr. Doug Snook, and Petty Officer 1st Class Ret. Leonard E. Gardner officiating.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Louis Lance, Ryan Conner, Billy Madison, Pat McGee, Pat Stegall, and Larry Dulaney. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Leasure, Henry Lance, and Kenneth Reyes.
Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
Due to COVID-19 mandates, masks and social distancing are required at all visitations and funeral services.
