Dale Emmerson Lance, age 94, passed away February 19, 2023 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, IL.  He was born January 23, 1929 in Flannigan Township in  Hamilton County, IL the son of Alva and Elva (Reed) Lance.  On July 1, 1950, Dale married Marcella (Hart) Lance, who survives.  They had been married over 72 years.

Dale worked as a driller in the oil field for several years. He retired from Continental General Tire in Mt. Vernon, IL in 1991.  After retiring, he and Marcella spent many years traveling and in Florida. Later they moved to Sebring, Florida where they lived for several years before returning to McLeansboro.  Dale enjoyed sports, and was a softball pitcher for many years.  He also enjoyed bowling, hunting, and fishing.  He loved spending time with his friends and family, and he will be missed deeply.

He was active in several churches for many years as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and song leader at Bonnie Baptist Church in Bonnie, IL; East Side Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, IL; Logan Street Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, IL; and First Baptist Church in Sebring, FL. He most recently attended and was a member of Ten Mile Baptist Church in McLeansboro.

He is survived by his wife Marcella Lance of McLeansboro, son Steven Dale, grandson Kris (Ailene), granddaughter Sarah (Travis) Hughes, great granddaughter, Harper Lance, three brothers-in-law, Richard (Phyllis) Hart, Larry Hart, and Robert Lee, sisters-in-law, Mary Hart, Donna Naas, and Joyce (Kent) Ewing.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alva & Elva Lance, a brother Glen Lance, and 2 sisters: Beulah Cambron, and Lucille Owen.

Funeral services for Dale Emmerson Lance will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Pastor Jacob Gray officiating.  Visitation will be held Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will follow the funeral service at Ten Mile Cemetery near McLeansboro.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com