Glenn E. Lorance, Jr.

Glenn E. Lorance, Jr., 76, of rural Hardinville, IL, passed away on October 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born on August 25, 1948, in Robinson, IL, Glenn grew up in New Hebron and later moved briefly to Hammond, IN, where he graduated from Hammond High School. After high school, he joined the Army, serving as a radio operator during the Vietnam War. He was part of a four-man op team in Laos and Cambodia, demonstrating the courage and dedication that defined much of his life.

Back home, Glenn worked at Briggs Pottery for several years until it closed and then found his way to ATS in Lawrenceville, where he spent the remainder of his career. True to his character, when the time came for retirement, Glenn made it simple: he clocked in one last time, told his boss he was done, and went home. He believed in living for today, never one to dwell in the past, and always found a way to make the most of each moment.

Family was always first for Glenn. He never let a loved one leave the house without hearing, "I love you," and he made countless sacrifices to ensure they had everything they needed. Even when in pain, his thoughts were with his family—their well-being mattered most. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who never hesitated to be there for those he loved. Glenn's grandchildren, his "princess" and "my little man," were his pride and joy, and together, they found adventure at every turn.

Glenn was a character in every sense of the word. Known for his practical jokes, he would call family on a sunny day after weeks of cloudy weather just to scream, "There's something bright in the sky—it's burning my eyes!" He was fun to be around, loved to flirt, and could bring laughter to any situation. His love for the outdoors was unmatched, whether he was hunting deer, rabbit, or squirrel, or spending countless hours in his boat on the Embarras River. Glenn loved to fish and simply enjoyed being out on the water—life was best when he was under the open sky.

Glenn was a lifetime member of the Robinson VFW, a member of the Flat Rock American Legion, and a member of the Crawford County Coon Hunters Club. His commitment to his community was just one more way he shared his loyalty and passion with those around him. One of his great passions was football. As a fan, Glenn's loyalty was devoted entirely to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he usually avoided wearing branded clothing, saying he wasn't "a billboard," the Steelers were the exception—he wore their apparel with pride! He also had a passion for coaching the game, being one of the original coaches for JFL football in Robinson and had the privilege of coaching his son in this capacity. He also coached his grandson for a year through the Oblong JFL.

When his wife, Twyla, was alive, they loved to play pinochle—a game they continued even after she passed, with Glenn adapting to play on his Kindle in his later years. They were married on October 7, 1972, and she remained the love of his life until her passing in 2009. Glenn lived passionately, with joy and a heart full of love, never wasting a moment to celebrate life and the people in it. After all, Glenn Lorance, Jr. was a man who loved his family deeply, embraced each day as a gift, and lived life with a twinkle in his eye and laughter in his heart. He'll be missed but never forgotten by those fortunate enough to know and love him.

He's survived by his children, Sean Lorance & Lorinda Dedrick, and Jessica & David Nidey; by his grandchildren, Anna Richey and Curtis Richey; by seven step-grandchildren and ten step-great-grandchildren; by his sisters, Dana Watwood and Martha Gore; and by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Twyla R. Lorance; his parents, Glenn E. Lorance Sr. & Lola Ruth (Dunlap) Lorance; and by three sisters, Brenda Lorance, Loretta Lorance, and Becky Hunckler.

A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 1st, at the Hardinville Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted, followed by a message from Celebrant Curt Goodwine. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements.