Eugene Hance

Eugene (Gene) Hance was the beloved son of blue-eyed German immigrant Erna and PFC Raymond. Growing up as the son of a soldier during WWII shaped Gene’s determination, traditional values, financial prudence, and patriotism. Soon after graduating high school in Elyria Ohio, he enlisted in the US Navy. He saw the world. However, nothing he saw lessened his love of America. Gene returned to the US first to work at NASA and then across many states as a builder, still traveling but now with an eye to where he’d call home.

On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he met the woman who came to define home for him. Johnnie Beth (JB) was a nurse with deep Southern roots. Gene himself settled into the rhythms of the region, joining the local pipefitter’s union with other members of JB’s family. The couple raised 4 children there, amidst family and in the Catholic church. Indeed, the Sacred Heart parishioners became their extended family, even as Gene’s mother and other relatives were drawn to live with or near the couple.

Gene went from traveling itinerant construction jobs to regularly working at the Pascagoula Chevron refinery, where he stayed 22 years until his retirement. Through it all, he proudly served in the US Navy Reserves, eventually earning retirement status.

In the aftermath of Katrina, Gene and JB relocated to Missouri with their eldest and youngest daughters. Although they missed their coastal community, they took solace in the congregation of Immaculate Conception in Park Hills.

Gene passed peacefully January 5, 2023, with family at his side. In addition to his parents and beloved wife of 49 years, Gene was preceded in death by son, Mark Hance and daughter, Christine (Chrissy) Wood. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but most keenly by his surviving family. Children: Norman (T Jae) Hance of Barr Nunn WY, Regina (Marty) Seaton of Farmington MO, Rebecca (Chad) Whitney of Newark OH, Rachel Hance of Park Hills MO.; children from a previous marriage, Brad Hance of Bardstown KY and Kym (Rod) Hance-Hill of Louisville KY.
Multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous other beloved family and friends.

Memorial services will take place Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Park Hills MO, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM and Mass at 11:00 AM. Graveside Military services will follow immediately afterwards.  Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home Caldwell Chapel in Park Hills.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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