Paul Arnold Hance, Sr., of Dixon, was born on April 3, 1942, at Rolla, a son of Clifford J. and Mabel B. (Robertson) Hance and departed this life at 10:57 a.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020 in the Missouri Veterans Home, St. James. Mr. Hance had attained the age of 78 years, 5 months and 17 days.

Mr. Hance was united in marriage on December 26, 1961, at Newburg, to Miss Betty Lou Powell and to this union, two children were born. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford on August 13, 2003; his mother, Mabel on May 17, 2001 and one sister, Donna Naugle on August 16, 2018.

While growing up Mr. Hance was a member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, Doolittle. He was a United States Navy veteran and after serving four years in the Navy, he then enlisted in the Missouri National Guard where he had worked as a mechanic, retiring in 1993 and attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion 780, Doolittle and then transferred to the American Legion 298, Dixon and later transferred his membership to the St. James American Legion. Mr. Hance had served as Commander and District Commander of the Legion.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, reading and traveling with his wife.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Hance include: his wife of nearly 59 years, Betty Hance, Dixon; one son and daughter-in-law, Paul, Jr. and Denise Hance, Rolla; one daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Donald Warnol, Dixon; one sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Pete Wilson, Newburg; brother-in-law, Fred Naugle, Rolla; five grandchildren, Lacey, Chad, Renae, Cameron and Michael; ten great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.