John Clinton Wance
John Clinton Wance, 85, of Hesston, died Saturday
(March 14, 2009) at his home.
He was born on Sept. 12, 1923, in Elmdale, the son
of Samuel and Irene Scott Wance.
John graduated from Elmdale High School in 1941,
after which he moved to Newton and began working on the Santa Fe Railroad.
During World War II, John served in the U.S.
Army-Air Corps with the 480th Anti-Aircraft Automatic Weapons Batallion in the
European Theater. After being discharged in 1945, John returned to Newton,
where he continued to work as a storehouse clerk for the Santa Fe Railroad
until retiring in 1983.
John married Clara Ratzlaff on Nov. 28, 1947, at the
E.U.B. Church in Newton.
After retiring from the railroad, John volunteered
20 years with Meals On Wheels, from 1984 to 2004. He also would routinely drive
his elderly neighbors and friends to their doctor appointments. His favorite
pastime was fishing. He was a member of First Mennonite Church in Newton and
the Newton V.F.W. Post.
Survivors include his wife, Clara, of the home in
Hesston; one son, Steven Wance Sr. of Blue Springs, Mo.; one daughter, Susan
Kennedy and her husband, Steven, of Cambrils, Spain; one brother, Harold Wance
of Burns; five grandchildren, Christopher Kennedy and Kevin Kennedy both of
Missouri City, Texas, Lacey Constable of Pleasant Hill, Mo., Madison Ballinas
of Warrensburg, Mo., and Steven Wance Jr. of Blue Springs; and one great
grandson, Mario Ballinas of Warrensburg.
John was preceded in death by his parents; an infant
daughter, Janice Arlene Wance; one brother, Edward Wance; and one sister, Marie
Davis.
Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday at
Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton, with family receiving friends from 6
to 7:30 p.m.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at
Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. Memorial services will follow at 11 a.m. at First
Mennonite Church in Newton.
A memorial has been established with the Assembly of
God World Missions-Steven & Susan Kennedy Ministries, and Harry Hynes
Memorial Hospice. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home,
120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
Condolences may be left at
www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
