Robert Earl "Bob" NANCE

NANCE, Robert Earl ''Bob''
Passed away September 12, 2010 at DGMC, Travis AFB. He was born in Altamont, IL to Robert E. Nance Sr. of IL and Mary Florence Skidmore of OK. Bob had made Vacaville his home since 1961. His health had been declining in recent months.

As a US Army/Air Corp cadet in 1943, Bob met and married Louise Albea of Eagle Pass, TX. Louise passed away in 1997. Bob is survived by his children, Kay Frank (Bob), Lyn, Earl (Susan), Janice Beach (Pat) and Nancy Bastida (Ken); grandchildren Jana Nobrega (John), Celeste Klanjac (Mark), Jade Nance, Jack Bastida, Sam Bastida and Kyria Bastida; and great-grandchildren Luke Nobrega, Jake Nobrega, Madeline Klanjac and Max Nobrega. He is also survived by his brother Jack of Osprey, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nancy.

Bob joined the Army/Air Force during WWII. He was a B-17 bombadier in the 8th AF/100th Bomb Group. He flew 35 missions over Germany, escaped and evaded the enemy by escaping into Belgium. He was protected by the underground until he was liberated by invading Allies. He held many positions until his military retirement in 1962 at Travis AFB.

He began a second career with the state government. He quickly moved into information services for the Div. of Hwys., spending time working for the CHP, Dept. of Health and filling in as the Governor's Press Secretary for both Ronald Reagan and Jerry Brown. He retired from the state after 15 years and spent his time enjoying family, baseball and reading.

The family enjoyed get-togethers where Bob would delight everyone with stories from his childhood in Kankakee, IL of all the famous and infamous people he met throughout his life.

Private family services will be held. Bob will be inurned with Louise in Livermore. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.