Eldon Earl Nance

Longtime Norman resident Eldon E. Nance died Thursday, September 10, 2015 surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Eldon was born at home on a farm in Carnegie, Oklahoma, on September 22, 1933. He was the oldest of 3 sons born to Troy and Hazel Nance. Eldon attended schools in Alden, Oklahoma; Garden City, Kansas, and Carnegie. He graduated from Carnegie High School in 1951, where he met his lifetime love Maria Dobroff – “the prettiest girl he had ever seen”.
Though he had not considered college and no one in his family had ever attended, when friends made a trip to Stillwater, he followed their lead and decided to enroll. He was the first to tell people that he was in unchartered territory and never realized beforehand how much his education would impact his future. Working his way through college, he joined ROTC and worked two jobs to pay for tuition. Maria transferred to Stillwater in 1952 to be near her sweetheart and they were married on December 20, 1953. Eldon received his Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma A & M in 1955, along with an Air Force Commission. He spent the following year in Korea, serving as an officer in the Auditor General Corps for the United States Air Force.
In 1958 the Nances moved to Norman and immediately became members of First Christian Church. Eldon has been known to many in the community for his five decades of exceptional service in the life insurance industry. Also known in earlier days as “Mr. Insurance”, Eldon was an independent agent for Central Life Assurance Company and occupied the upstairs corner office at 730 Asp, overlooking campus corner for 40 years until his retirement in 2008. During that time, Eldon and Maria enjoyed company trips and conventions that took them to several memorable destinations. In December of 2009, Eldon was honored with a special award from the NAIFA (National Association of Insurance &‎ Financial Advisors) for 50 years of service.
Maria and Eldon enjoyed 62 years of marriage together, sharing a variety of activities such as bridge, bowling, square dancing, and their favorite pastime – spending quality time investing in their grandchildren. In addition to being a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Eldon has been described as an outgoing man who showed great integrity in his personal and professional life. He never met a stranger, knew how to put in a hard day’s work and always looked out for the best interest of others. He often told others, that of all things in life, the thing he was most proud of was his family.
His community involvement began early in his professional life when he joined the Norman Jaycees and was part of the group who started what is now Reaves Park. He recalled being a part of the first group of civic leaders sounding fireworks for the Norman 4th of July celebration. He was one of the original members of Sooner Lions Club and for many years spent OU game days selling hot dogs and nachos as a fundraiser with the Sooner Lions. During his professional career, he was a member of the Cleveland County Association of Life Underwriters, Norman Chamber of Commerce, Norman Business Association and served on the boards of Juvenile Services Inc, the Cleveland County YMCA, Salvation Army, and Sooner Lions Club. As an elder for First Christian Church, he taught Sunday School for years and was instrumental in promoting the campaign for the major building expansion of the church.
Nance was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Hazel Nance, and brothers Lynden Nance and Troy Nance. His is survived by his wife Maria, of the home, daughters Stephanie (Ron) Fullerton of Tulsa, Janis (Tim) Rasnic of Norman, and Susan (Kyle) Buchanan of Norman. Family was one of his highest priorities and his grandchildren all adored him: Lindsey (Bob) Ault of Edmond, Kailey (Aaron) Howell of Los Angeles, and the Norman grandchildren include Blake Buchanan, Bryce Buchanan, Clay Buchanan and Carter Buchanan, Meredith Rasnic, Ryan Rasnic, and Reid Rasnic. His youngest legacy was great grandson Everett Ault of Edmond.
The family expresses deep gratitude for the exceptional staff and facilities at Norman Healthplex Cardiac and ICU units.