Former St. Marys resident Robert E. Hance, 74, died at 5 p.m. Aug. 24, 2006, at Brighton Gardens, Greenville, S.C.

He was born Feb. 5, 1932, in Perrysburg, to Ray and Doris Wilson Hance. On Oct. 6, 1951, he married Rose Romick, who died April 16, 2000.

Survivors are a son, Kevin, St. Marys; two daughters, Jody, St. Marys, and Roberta, Greenville, S.C.; a brother, Marvin, Evanston, Wyo.; a sister, Betty (Dennis) Higley, Troy; a sister-in-law, Patricia Copus, Van Buren; and four grandchildren.

He was manager of Brookside Restaurant, Findlay; Brodbeck's Grocery, Celina and St. Marys; and owned Bob and Rose Ceramic Shoppe, St. Marys. He was a pianist, sculptor and organist. He graduated in 1950 from Van Buren High School where he created the name and school symbol, "Van Buren Black Knights."

Graveside funeral rites are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys, the Rev. Douglas Magin officiating.

Calling is after 10 a.m. Tuesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.