Donald Rex Lance, age 83, of Ozark, Mo., passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 13, 2026. Don was born to Ray and Vera (Huffman) on June 6, 1943, in Flint, Mich. He was united in marriage to Edna Mann on June 7, 1969, in Lakeland, Fla. Don and Edna shared 57 years of marriage and were blessed with two sons, Shannon and Cody Lance.
Don proudly served in the United State Army for twenty years before his honorable discharge on Aug. 31, 1989. Don entered the service on Feb. 24, 1975, in Jacksonville, Fla. For eighteen years, Don served his country as Communications Equipment Maintenance Chief and two years before that as an infantryman. During his time in the United States Army, Don earned many medals, ribbons, and citations including the National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, Medal Expert Rifle Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, just to name a few. Prior to his honorable discharge, Don earned the rank of Master Sergeant (MSG).
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Vera Lance; daughter, Donissa Ketchum; and his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Edna Lance; son, Cody Lance; son, Shannon Lance; daughter, Carol Nixon; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Don will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Mo., on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, Mo.
