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Thomas Hance Obituary

Thomas D. Hance 60, passed away on 18, April, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on April, 9, 1954, in Baytown, Texas to Coy and Morna (Billie) Hance. Tom grew up in Deer Park, Texas and graduated High School in 1972. After high school he joined the United States Marine Corps and served for 4 years. He served in Vietnam and during The Cold War and was the recipient of The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense, Overseas Service, and Combat Service Medals. He achieved 4th award rifle expert and pistol sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged in 1976, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Tom married Ruth in 1983 in Crosby, Texas. They were happily married for 31 years. He was a member of The American Legion. He enjoyed golfing, camping, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Coy Othello and brother, Terry Gene. Tom is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Michael and wife Cara of Deer Park, TX; daughter, Staci, who is Active duty in the Marine Corps in North Carolina; mother, Billie Hance; great uncle, Thomas Dawkins; brother, Brad and wife Evelyn Hance of Pasadena, TX; granddaughter, Calli; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Grand View Funeral Home. Services will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 12:30 p.m. in The Chapel of Grand View Funeral Home. Interment will follow with Military Honors at Grand View Memorial Park. The family request to wear any Hawaiian print clothing to the services. Online memorial tributes may be placed at www.grandviewfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hance

Not sure what to say?





Ruth Hance

April 9, 2015

Happy Birthday Tom, I miss you so much with each and every passing day. I still can't believe you are gone. So many times I found myself picking up the phone to call or text you. So many times I just wanted to hug you. I love you with all my heart and will love you forever.

Standing on the Astros field.

Ruth Hance

June 26, 2014

Tom, Thank you for all the happy years we spent together. I only wish we could have had many more. I will always cherish the memories we made. You were my one true love. We were such a good team. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband, father and best friend. I knew from the day I seen you that you were the one for me. I loved you from that day forward and will continue to love you for all the days to come. You may have been taken away from me, but my love for you will never cease. My life was so much better with you in it. Your smile and gentle touch is something I will always be grateful for. I loved you yesterday, I love you today and I will love you tomorrow and everyday after. I miss you so much. Not a minute goes by that I don't think of you. Yours forever, I love you, :One Day Closer: Ruth

The Wheelwright's

May 18, 2014

There are no words to describe the way we feel. We loved Tom. He was a great friend, father and husband. We will miss him a lot.
Ruth we will keep you, Michael (Cara & Calli) and Staci in our prayers.

Tenna Ruch

May 18, 2014

Although Toms time here on earth was only for a moment. Please know that he is still with your family. To see him, you need only to look into the night sky; for he has replaced One of God's Brightest Stars so his Memory can twinkle down on you as you gaze upon those Stars, He has replaced a ray of sunshine so his Love can be felt on your face every day. And on a Rainy day, every drop that touches you is Tom's soul touching yours. May God be with you and your family through your time of loss, may he give you strength and peace in the days to come. Your Facebook Friend.

Shelby Mouton

May 17, 2014

I will always remember my Uncle Tom.
The things I'll remember the most is his smile and his cooking. He cooked the most amazing grilled chicken and had the most amazing smile. I love you Uncle Tom

Frank Mouton

May 16, 2014

Tom was a good friend and brother-in-law
he always had a smile on his face and was
glad to see you. he will be missed by many

Donna Mouton

May 16, 2014

Tom will always be my little ray of sunshine,
now he's my little ray of sunshine from heaven
and I have another guardian angel
Love and miss you

Staci Hance

May 16, 2014

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.



--Reinhold Niebuhr

Sandra Lee

May 13, 2014

Ruth My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I just want to drive over an give you a big hug. Being just Facebook friends that would just be weird. ((((( HUG)))))

Jason Payne

May 12, 2014

Here is health to you and to our Corps,
Which we are proud to serve;
In many strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy,
Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded,
By United States Marines.

Rest easy, Seargent.
We I'll keep watch from here.

Alexander Poulin

May 12, 2014

Words can't begin to describe the sympathy I feel on Toms passing. A beloved husband, father, and friend. I never had the pleasure of meeting Tom. But he very obviously was an amazing man. A great husband and an outstanding father. Those things become more than apparent when looking at how strong the bond within your family is. May all of the beautiful memories the family and friends of Thomas Hance share bring strength now and in the future.

Cara Hance

May 12, 2014

I could not have been more blessed then to have Tom as my Father In-Law. This world will never be the same without him. I will miss his contagious smile and his hugs that made all the bad things in this world go away. I love and miss you.

John Mouton

May 12, 2014

You were a great uncle that I will never forget. You may be gone but we will see each other again.

Kelly Doyal Schramm

May 12, 2014

I feel very honored to have gotten to know Tom, and to count him as a friend of our family. He was always quick to smile, give a warm hug and welcome, and share stories and really awesome advice and tips on a range of topics. Tom was a very smart and kind, loving man. My thoughts and love are with you

Shelby Hicks

May 12, 2014

Hey, haven't talked to y'all in years but Ive see y'all around town. I honestly miss you guys. Stace you've made everyone so proud. More than you'll ever know. Y'all are an amazing family and I'm so sorry for your loss. God needed him home, but he will always be with you. Always. You lost a dad, a husband, etc. but you all gained the most amazing gift of all, a guardian angel. <3 -shelby.

Vincent Adame

May 12, 2014

Only One Thing Counts
No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

Think about the day Christ comes. There you are in the great circle of the redeemed. Though you are one of a throng, it's as if you and Jesus are all alone.

I am speculating now, but I wonder if Christ might say these words to you: "I am so proud you let me use you. Because of you, others are here today. Would you like to meet them?"

At that point Jesus might turn to the crowd and invite them. One by one, they begin to step out and walk forward. The first is a neighbor that lived next door, a woman searching, a son seeking guidance, a daughter finding security..."you never knew I was watching," he explains, " but I was. And because of you, I am here."

It's not long before you and your savior are encircled by the delightful collection of souls you've touched. Some you know, most you don't, but for each you feel the same. You feel what Paul felt... "I'm so proud of your faith"
1 Thessalonians 2:19

Andrea Durkee

May 12, 2014

Such a great man. Taken too soon. He was always so nice to me and my family. And I know he is missed by many

Staci Hance

May 12, 2014

I love and miss you so much daddy. Life just isn't fair, and I wish we had had more time with each other. But something that keeps me at peace is that we truly treasured every moment we had together. Even if it was just a Sunday morning with me talking to you while you cooked breakfast, we always had so much fun. I am blessed to know that there were no words left unsaid with us. We both knew exactly how much we loved and cared about each other. I will forever be your little girl, and I'm going to make you proud.
I love you so much daddy

Mackenzi Cooper

May 12, 2014

Rest in peace, and may you be reunited with friends and family passed.

Chris & Lorryta Harms

May 11, 2014

Through your words and pictures it was apparent how much you and Tom loved each other and happy memories will keep him forever in your heart. Our deepest condolensces go out to you at this time.

FaceBook Friends,

Karen Leuthaus

May 10, 2014

I am also a Facebook friend. Your love for each other has always shown through your pictures and the way you look at each other. Life can be so unfair!!! Your memories will sustain you through the tough times and your children and family will be your anchors.sending you blessings and my deepest sympathies
Fondly
Karen
Leuthaus

Hazel Gregory

May 8, 2014

Ms. Ruth, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I have only known you through Facebook, I feel the loss you bear for you and your family. Blessings of love, healing and protection as you go through this time in your life.

Gary and JoAnn Greer

May 8, 2014

Heaven has received another angel. Tom is watching over your family from above. He was a great man and Gary and I will always remember him.

Herb Helm

May 8, 2014

As neighbors living across the street from each other, Tom and I always had wave or a verbal greeting for each other. Even though our face to face time wasn't that to where most would consider ours a friendship, Tom was always the true friend. From loaning tools, to offering advice, to being that reassuring voice when I needed to hear a positive one in my life. Tom will always remain in our lives and even with his absents on this this earth, knowing he will one of the saints waiting to greet us in Heaven when we graduate home encourages me. Until we are neighbors again, God bless and know your family is cared for and Loved.

Kathy Coddington Slieff

May 7, 2014

So Sorry for your lose I know he will be missed!!!!May god be with Ms Ruth and your family during this time of her life and may God comfort you in the days to come. I am always here if you need someone to talk to

Tim Hoyord

May 7, 2014

I met you Ruth only via Facebook as I saw a comment you made about Marines. I being the one asked for friends and you accepted. I thank you. Your family is an inspiration to me and you are truly blessed. God bless you and your family always. And...Semper Fi

Angel and Preston Dutton

May 7, 2014

I remember it like it was yesterday coming over to Texas to visit with my aunt DeNette and cousins, and getting to meet the two most wonderful people in the world. I can't begin to express my sympathy I feel for you and your family at this time. Mr. Tom a great man in peace no suffering watching over us all till you meet again. Always in my prayers and many condolences. RIP

alexus Weldon

May 7, 2014

Tom you will be dearly missed we werent very close now but when I was younger you and ruth were like an aunt and uncle to us we love and miss you dearly and you will forever be in our hearts.

Michael Hance

May 7, 2014

Dad, You were and still are my Hero. You taught me so much about life and how to grow into a man. I will miss you forever and I will never forget all the wonderful memories we shared.

Donna Maki

May 7, 2014

Sorry for your loss...May you have strength each day to keep you going..And remember all the memories you had with each other.God Bless and stay strong..

Janette Logan-hodson

May 7, 2014

Ruth

My deepest condolences to you and all your family at this very sad time, you are in my thoughts and prayers.xxxx

May 7, 2014

so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family. You are in my prayers and thoughts..

June Sloan Thompson
Soldotna Alaska

Jimmy Hogsten

April 29, 2014

Aunt Ruthie,
I'm so sorry for your loss and wish I had the right words to say. Just know I'm here for you whenever you need anything. One of my oldest memories of Uncle Tom was when he took me to my first Astros game, at the Astrodome, and we got to witness a Grand Slam. I will have that memory forever thanks to Uncle Tom.

Lee James

April 26, 2014

Condolences and great sympathy to your family on the loss of a great American patriot, husband, and father. Tom has touched so many lives by his powerful personal example, zeal for life, and selfless care for his fellow man. He will be missed dearly. May God comfort you with his tender love and gentle mercies.

The James family
Gainesville,Virginia

James Hogsten

April 26, 2014

I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy for your family. He was a great man & will be missed by many. Prayers & Love for the family.

Toinette Phares

April 25, 2014

Ruth,
I am deeply sorry..Staci, Michael, and you were so loved by Tom. Peace&Love always,

Mark Holom

April 24, 2014

I am so saddened at Tom's passing, but I know Terry loved his little brother so much and that they are now together with their Daddy is where I find my only comfort. I knew Tom and Ruth since 1993, met his mother and brother also. I was part of this family when Staci was born and remember her adorable childhood, and I grew to love these people as my family here in Texas. I will always feel a part no matter where I am and to the last day I am here on earth. I look forward to the reunion, because it has to be something so beautiful and precious to be with God. My heart is with you Ruth, Michael, Staci, Cara, Calli, Brad, and Evelyn. I was blessed by your good company. God Bless you all and keep you well. With sincerest sympathy, Mark Holom

Steven Mayes

April 24, 2014

A man is remembered not by how much wealth and possessions he accumulates in life as they mean nothing. Instead, a man is remembered for the love he gave; this is eternal. Tom achieved what many fall short of in life...a loving legacy. I'm a better man for knowing Tom. God bless you Ruth, Michael and Staci.

James & Shelia Cliburn

April 24, 2014

So sorry for your loss. We both have great memories of Tom from highschool.

Diane Berg Allred

April 24, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry for your loss.

Lynn Sawyer

April 24, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hance family at this time. I miss seeing Tommy walking past my office to get his morning sweet roll fix from the candy machine. He was a pleasure to work with, a great guy!

Mikey Jimenez

April 23, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to your family. Heaven is in better hands now that they have another Marine guarding their gates. Semper Fi!

Tom Barbee

April 23, 2014

My deepest condolences to you and your Family. The Gates of Heaven are truely guarded by US Marines. I didn't know Tom personally but I know he will be missed by many. Semper Fi.

Michael Cervantes

April 23, 2014

Sir, thank you for all that you did, your are and for ever will be miss, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" rest easy now, we will take it from here, your watch is over, now report to the formation in the sky and stand by for further instructions...

Derek Greer

April 23, 2014

Ashley and I send our deepest condolences to the family. Tom was a pleasure to be around always. He was a great man that will be missed dearly. Fair winds and following seas Tom. Semper Fi.

April 23, 2014

Ruth, Michael and Staci, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. Tom was so full of life and he always had a smile. Dave and I always looked forward to seeing you both at the Lyondell Casino Night at Christmas time. Please know the Mauk Family is thinking of you and your family at this time. He'll be missed by many. Hugs, Dave and Sue Mauk

April 22, 2014

My condolences to the family of Mr. Hance. May you be comforted by reflecting on the many wonderful memories that you can cherish forever.

Rodney DuBose

April 22, 2014

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Tom was a joy to be around and will be missed by many

Rita Kolb

April 22, 2014

Ruth, Michael & Staci,
My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Please know that Heaven is a happier place with Tom being there. His sense of humor & wonderful smile was a great testimony to him having such a great family.
As your children came through Carpenter, we all shared many laughs through the years and Tom was always one of those parents that I loved visiting with. Again, my heart is heavy for all of you, but know that he loved you all so very much & was so proud of his children. Much love to all of you.

Serapio, Nikki, Ariel, Nicholas Garza

April 22, 2014

Ruth, Michael, and Staci,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. Tom was such a great person - always willing to jump in and help out. He will truely be missed. But he has left a great legacy - you guys are such a warm and loving family - a testament to true love. God bless you all.

Bill Wilson

April 21, 2014

I didn't know Thomas personally, but as A fellow Marine, I know he was a good man and his children are a credit to him and the Corp. Condolences to a fellow Marine and Texan's family, who lost him way to soon. Semper Fi

Aaron Reinert

April 21, 2014

Ruth and Michael, I do not have the words to truly express my thoughts for Tom's passing. Tom was easy to talk to and I enjoyed his friendship. We morn over the loss of our friend, but God has gained a great man in Heaven.

Robert Garcia

April 21, 2014

Many Happy Memories with the Hance Family at Carpenter Elementary, especially on Veterans Day, when we Honored Veterans like Thomas Hance. You will be missed by Family, Friends, and Former Carpenter Staff.
Dr. Robert Garcia, Former Principal

Julia Lancaster

April 21, 2014

My deepest condolences to the staci and the hance family

Beverly Reinert

April 21, 2014

Ruth, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers. Tom was such an amazing man. I am blessed for the privilege of knowing Tom. I first met him as Michael's dad,but Tom very soon became a friend. He was the type of man that so many men dream of being. He will be missed. I pray for strength for you and your family for the days ahead. We are here if you need anything.

April 21, 2014

Ruth,

Many prayers to you and your family during this hard time. You are in our hearts. Michelle and John Bailey

Donna Berg Green

April 21, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hance family during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.

Tammy Hall

April 21, 2014

Ruth, I have such fond memories from the years that you and Tom were our neighbors. You had the marriage that all your friends wish they had. I know there are no words to really comfort you right now. I just pray that through the love of your family and friends that you, Michael and Staci will find some comfort. Treasure all the wonderful memories of those incredible 31 years!

Sara and Javier Montoya

April 21, 2014

They say a photo is worth a thousand words. Well my husband and I just went through about a thousand photos. I didn't know him well, but through these photos I could feel the love he had for his wife and kids. He lived for them and it shows. The legacy he left is beautiful and an honorable one. What a great man and an awesome example for many to follow.

Judy Hance

April 21, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this unbelievable time. May God's grace and comfort cover you like a blanket and His light shine through all the wonderful memories you have. We are all blessed with so much love and many wonderful years with Tommy -- enough to last for an eternity. God bless you!

April 21, 2014

My condolences to your family during this time of grief.

Lori Helppie

April 21, 2014

Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family in the days ahead.

Claire Smith

April 21, 2014

I never met Mr. Hance but if Staci shadows her father in anyway, I know he was a great man. I wish you much love in this time. I am so sorry for your loss.

DeNise Wood

April 21, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. I know you're feeling overwhelmed with loss right now, but may your wonderful memories of the last 31 years help you through this time. Ruth, you and your family are in my thoughts.

Regina Lee

April 20, 2014

I am sorry for your loss. I went to school with your son michael, hope that the memories you have bring you peace and happiness! You and your family are in my familys prayers.

April 20, 2014

So sorry for your loss. I graduated with Tommy in 1972. My thoughts are with his family during this loss of a much loved husband and father.

Kathy Barry Westcott

Ron Owen

April 19, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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