Berry Darvin Hance, 68, of Belle, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born June 19, 1955, a son to the late William Edward and Lula Mae (Chambers) Hance in Rolla.
He was a longtime area resident and 1973 graduate of Belle High School. He was a longtime member of the Pine Ridge Golf Course in Belle, and was a member of the St. James Golf Course.
Berry was united in marriage to Kay Dahms, June 23, 1973, at the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Belle. From this union, two sons were born. Kay survives in their home.
He worked as a heavy equipment operator for both HanCo and Bloomsdale Excavating, Rolla Division. In 2013, he retired to golf — every day was a Saturday.
Berry enjoyed watching Hallmark movies, as well as, the St. Louis Cardinals and KC Chiefs games. He lived for golf and could be found daily on the course in Belle and other courses through the years. If there was something funny to say, he’d say it. He was fast witted, had a great sense of humor and always had a joke on hand to tell. Berry was kind and giving, always willing to help out others in need, and his faith in God was strong. Berry will be missed greatly by those that knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by parents, William and Lula Mae; brother-in-law, Gene Basford; sister, Betty Stangel and husband Casey; sister-in-law, Sue Hance; brother, Arthur Hance; and daughter-in-law, Amanda Jo Hance.
Berry is survived by wife of 50 years, Kay; sons, Brad Hance and Brian Hance and wife Michelle all of Belle; grandchildren, Branden Hance and Alyssa Hance; siblings, Mary Basford of Ark., Bill Hance and wife Eva of Belle, Bob Hance and wife T.J. and Jim Hance and wife Frances all of O’Fallon, Retha Heimbaugh and husband Lonnie of Rolla, Kay Maxwell and husband Danny of Gerald, Jack Hance of Vichy, and Danny Hance of Ill.; sister-in-law, Llona Hance of Vichy; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Funeral services were held for Berry Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at the Belle Community Center in Belle with Tim Blackwell officiating. Interment was in the Macedonia Cemetery near Rolla.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family of Berry Hance.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
