Lance Harry Donat

A man who never minced words, Lance Donat was the type of fellow who lived life to a beat all his own. When it came to family and friends, Lance would be the first to say he loved enjoying their company and being surrounded by their laughter. Lance loved pulling a good prank or two, and he had a sense of humor all his own. Never one for the extravagant things in life, as long as Lance had his sports, rock ‘n roll and those he cared about by his side, he was just as content. Deeply missed, Lance leaves much to be remembered by those who knew him best.

Although conservative in nature, the 1950s was a time when the American dream was alive and well. An all-time high, the minimum wage was $1.00 per hour, young radio listeners tuned in to Elvis, and drive-in theaters made for great summertime fun. Yet just as families were preparing for a day of Thanksgiving, Max and Wilma Deanie (Gilts) Donat found much to be especially thankful for on Wednesday, November 26, 1953, when they welcomed the birth of their little boy, Lance Harry Donat.

Born in Hicksville, Ohio, Lance grew up in Antwerp, Ohio alongside his two older sisters, Laurel and Leta, and later, his younger siblings, Luann and Lyndon. His father worked for General Motors while his mother was a busy homemaker and also worked as a lab tech at Paulding County Hospital. A young boy who enjoyed a childhood typical of the times, Lance took in fun-filled day trips and shared memorable times with his family. He had his share of friends growing up where he experienced numerous adventures of his youth. A big sports fan from his earliest years, Lance especially loved playing baseball. Once when he was throwing a baseball to his younger brother, Lyndon, Lance accidentally hit Lyndon in the head with a fastball. By nature, and typical of Lance, his automatic response was, “You should have caught that one.” Lance’s quick wit and uncanny sense of humor remained with him for the rest of his days.

As the oldest boy, when Lance was 15 or so he was always in charge of his other siblings when his mother attended choir practice on Wednesday nights. And if they didn’t behave, Lance would simply trick them into going outside and then he would proceed to lock the out of the house! Having attended the local schools in Antwerp, Lance went on to graduate from Antwerp High School.

Lance was an avid softball and baseball player and fan. His favorite teams were none other than the Cleveland Indians and Browns, and of course the Ohio State Buckeyes. Lance had quite a baseball card collection as well as other sports memorabilia. In fact, he maintained two booths at shows, including one in Decatur, Indiana and another one in Allen, Michigan. Among his other interests, Lance was quite a bowler, too, having played in many bowling tournaments. While growing up and later when he was older, Lance enjoyed fishing with his dad before he sadly passed away. Lance loved visiting the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame and he rarely missed a good rock concert. The Rolling Stones was his favorite group of choice, and his family even joked that Lance would be mad if he knew Mick Jagger had outlived him!

As always, Lance was never one to pass up a good garage sale! Golf was a game Lance played now and then, yet more appropriately, he “tolerated” the game. Once he “borrowed” Lyndon’s golf clubs, and when Lyndon went to use them after he returned them, Lyndon noticed the putter was bent. When asked about it, Lance said the putter slipped out of his hands and hit a tree. Lance didn’t have much patience on the golf course where his temper easily flared. Yet Lance loved winning! A very competitive go-getter, he always said that if it hit the hole, then it should go in! Friends were an integral part of Lance’s life. He loved spending time with them at the Eagles, the VFW and at the Conservation Club where great times were had by all.

Lance worked at Tempered Glass Specialists in Antwerp which later became SpecTemp, and now goes by Paragon Tempered Glass. Other than his family, Lance loved his longtime companion, Mary Evans. Introduced at the Antwerp VFW which he frequented, Lance and Mary went on to enjoy a 33 year relationship and he never looked back. When it came to his pets, Lance’s feline companions, Lucky, Jazz and Babe were never far from his side.

Family get-togethers were very important to Lance. He loved his family dearly, and he was always willing to help out when needed. With ways all his own, he always remembered everyone’s birthdays. Special times at the lake at Twin Mills in Howe, Indiana and Hamilton Lake in Hamilton, Indiana with those he loved made for Lance’s most treasured memories. In all ways, Lance was an enthusiastic fan who was passionate about the things that interested him most. Even though he told it like it was, he was friendly and kind. There was only one Lance Donat, and in the hearts of those he leaves behind, he will be remembered fondly and his memory will continue to be loved deeply.

Lance Harry Donat, 63, of Antwerp, passed away Friday, August 11, 2017 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Lance will be sadly missed by his mother, Wilma Deane (Gilts) Donat; his longtime companion, Mary Evans; siblings, Laurel (Kirk) Hopkins all of Antwerp, Leta (Larry) Bryant of Huntertown, IN, Luann Schaar of Hamilton, IN & Lyndon (Cindy) Donat of Louisville, KY; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Max. Service is Wednesday, 11 am, with viewing one hour prior at Fellowship Church, 15413 SR 49, Antwerp. Viewing is also Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp. He will be laid to rest in Maumee Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorials are to Dooley Funeral Home, PO Box 452, Antwerp Ohio 45813. Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

Lance Harry Donat, 63, of Antwerp, passed away Friday, August 11, 2017 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. 

Lance was born in Hicksville on November 26, 1953.

He worked at Spec Temp but was most comfortable cheering for his Buckeyes and Cleveland Indians & Browns and spending time with friends at the Eagles, the VFW and the Conservation Club.

He will be sadly missed by his mother, Wilma Deane (Gilts) Donat; his longtime companion, Mary Evans; siblings, Laurel (Kirk) Hopkins all of Antwerp, Leta (Larry) Bryant of Huntertown, IN, Luann Schaar of Hamilton, IN & Lyndon (Cindy) Donat of Louisville, KY and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Max.

Service is Wednesday, 11 am, with viewing one hour prior at Fellowship Church, 15413 SR 49, Antwerp.

Viewing is also Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

He will be laid to rest in Maumee Cemetery.

Please omit flowers, memorials are to Dooley Funeral Home, PO Box 452, Antwerp Ohio 45813.

Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

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