Robert Daniel "Dan" Hance

He was born on December 3, 1952, in Lima, Ohio, where he grew up and graduated from Wapokaneta Senior High School. He served in the United States Navy.

He cannot easily be summed up in a few paragraphs. He was an amazing father, a beloved son, a close brother, a loyal friend, a man of strong faith and deep wisdom who loved others every bit as much as he was loved by so many.

He was a master craftsman who could build or fix anything with his hands.

He built many homes with his father, brothers, and other family.

He was a man who never met a stranger. He made everyone feel welcome, cared for, and seen. His favorite place to be on Sundays was standing at the side door to the sanctuary of Morningside Church, where he was a member, holding the door and greeting others as they arrived. He hugged, shook hands, and told everyone how glad he was to see them – and he truly meant it.

He was the absolute king of the “dad joke.” He loved to laugh, and his laughter was infectious, which made life with him all the sweeter.

He was not just grandpa to his grandchildren – he was “poppy” or “pop-dog!” He loved their sleepovers and going to their school events.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Robert K. and Marilyn Jane Hance; a sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Larry Curl; and a sister-in-law, Alva Gae Hance.

He is survived by a son, Robert; a daughter, Brandy (Adam) Elliott; two sisters, Pamela (William) Lawson and Katherine (Randy) Duff; two brothers, Michael Hance, and Jeffrey (Peggy) Hance; two grandchildren, Maggie and Jack Elliott; many precious nieces and nephews, cousins, and other extended family; and countless treasured friends.

Dan’s children and grandchildren would like to thank the many exceptional and caring professionals at HCA Florida Capital Hospital who cared for Dan in his final days, including Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Acosta; fourth floor nurses Sean, Nick, Trina, and Lakeisha; fifth floor nurses Joseph and Adrianna; speech therapist Lindsey; respiratory therapist Wendy; Russell from ICU; and Ms. Jackie (thanks for the ice cream). You are forever family to us. Thank you for the caring and tender way you cared for both our daddy/poppy and us.

A memorial service to celebrate Dan’s life will be held March 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Morningside Church, 1560 Pedrick Road, Tallahassee, Florida, in the chapel. Lunch will follow in the fellowship hall.

If you would like to honor Dan’s memory, please give to the ministries of Morningside Church in lieu of flowers.

Finally – why did Dan cross the road? To get to the other side, of course. Our family finds comfort and peace in knowing we will see him on the other side. Our prayer for you is that if you do not know that peace, come find us at Morningside Church on Sundays, where you can know the assurance of salvation for eternity that Dan knew.