Howard Hance of DeSoto

DESOTO - Howard A. Hance, 80, of DeSoto, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at his home.

Howard was born Dec. 18, 1938 in Milford, Michigan. He married Jane Tatum on June 11, 1962.

Survivors include his wife; children, Bob (Beverly) Wheatley, Jane (Steve) Wheatley-McKinney and Julie Hance-Steinmetz; grandchildren, Jenny (Jim) Wheatley-Clark, Sherri (Anton) McKinney-Eberhart, Joe (Beth) McKinney and Scott Steinmetz; and five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, of Buffalo, NY.

Howard was a police officer in Carbondale in the 1960s and '70s, and became one of the first two detectives alongside Don Johnson. He always upheld the law, but would aid those who made a mistake.

Howard put his life on the line for many without a second thought, even personally saved a few. Later in life, he and his wife opened Aunt Jenny's Fudge to take to craft fairs. It delighted him to see a child light up when tasting the candy he had made. Howard always loved people, whether walking the beat, or behind the candy counter.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale, with the Rev. Paul Hicks officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.

Visitation was set for 5 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Charli Smith and Kathy with Hospice of Southern Illinois for all their loving care of Howard.

To share a memory or story of Howard, visit www.meredithfh.com.