Ralph E. Nance, Jr., age 71 of Collinsville, IL, born September 10, 1946 in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at his residence.

Ralph was a retired custodian for the Collinsville Unit 10 School District having served 20 plus years. He previously worked 10 years as a crane operator for St. Louis Ship Company. He was a Navy veteran, a very active member of First Baptist Church of Collinsville, where he was a member of the tech team, and active member of the "Oatmeal Gang." He loved to fish, or as he put it "drown worms."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Sr. and Irene nee Mrvicka Nance; and a brother, Larry Nance.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Pauletta nee Fraser Nance, whom he married October 5, 1968; three sons: Ed Nance, III of Collinsville, IL, Tim Nance of Collinsville, IL and Nick Nance of Swansea, IL; two daughters: Lori Nance of Collinsville, IL and Mandy (Cpt Alan) Morford of Derby, KS; five grandchildren: SrA Andrew Marlin, Layla Morford, Allysa Nance, Kayleigh Tiemann, Isaac Morford and Kynlee Nance; a brother, Dennis (Melonie) Nance of Washington, MO; and a sister, Donna (Scott) Jordan of Arnold, MO.

Visitation will be 3pm to 7pm on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Collinsville, 723 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL, and from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the church.

Funeral service will be at 9:30 am on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the church with Rev. Gregory Pratt officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Collinsville and will be received at the visitation.