Gene W. Lance, 81 of Springfield, MO. Passed away Monday December 7, 2009. He was born July 9, 1928 in Savannah, MO to Leo and Erma Lance. Gene attended elementary school in Cosby MO. His family moved to Booneville, MO. where Gene graduated high school in 1947. During high school he spent his summers working for the Katy Railroad. Gene served his country for 18 months in a tour of Korea with the Army under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur. Upon returning home from Korea he worked in Kansas City at the Ford auto plant making airplane wings. He then moved to Springfield to attend SMSU in which he graduated in 1955. During his college years he was a bellhop at The Kentwood Arms which provided him with many humorous stories to share, about some of the guests. He then went to work at Wickman Gardens until he was hired by Stokes Floral. Stokes is where he remained until his retirement in 1998. He was also co-owner of the business for 25 years. Gene was a natural born naturalist who looked forward to yearly trips to Colorado. There Gene truly enjoyed and admired God's undisturbed beauty. He also enjoyed many bus trips with B.J. Marsh Tours. Another source of enjoyment for Gene was attending the SMSU men's basketball games. He was a huge Bears fan for over 50 years and enjoyed "his" seats from where he could see all the action. Gene was united in marriage to Arlene Peterson on April 25th, 1964. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter. Survivors include his wife Arlene of the home, daughter Mary Garrison and husband Scott of Nixa, daughter Andee Sanders and husband Lane of Ozark, four grandchildren, Emilee and Lance Garrison, Nathan and Jacob Sanders. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2009 in Gorman- Scharpf Funeral Home with the Reverend Rick Washam officiating. Burial will be in Missouri Veterans Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
