Paul J. Rance

1937-2023

COLUMBIANA — Paul J. Rance, 85, of Columbiana passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at his home.

He was born Oct. 29, 1937, in Leetonia, Ohio, son of the late Joseph and Jenny Girard Rance.

Paul was a devoted husband, loving father, wonderful grandfather, and friend to all who met him. He was co-owner and operator of Col-Pump Company, Columbiana and served in the U.S. Navy. Paul was an active member of St Jude Roman Catholic Church in Columbiana where he was also a member of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. He was well known for his involvement in the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce, The Columbiana Rotary Club, the 40 & 8 Society of Veterans Post 273 and a proud member of the Order of the Sons of Italy. Paul was also a past member of American Foundry Men’s Association and the OCMA and he was a puzzle master. Paul also enjoyed travelling, and watching sports, mostly the Cleveland Browns and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After fulfilling his lifelong dream of watching the Irish play in Ireland he continued to travel, especially to St. Simons Island, Ga.. If he wasn’t traveling or watching sports you could find him baking bread to share with family and friends.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Dawn Dodson Rance, whom he married Oct. 11, 1958; his children, Christine (Doug) Berdine, Don Paul (Shelly) Rance and Julie Jennings; two brothers, John and Jim Rance; two sisters, Josephine Whinery and Carmella (Robert) Balevare. “Poppie,” as he was called by his family, will also be missed by eight grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Justice and Helen Shaffer, and a brother, Joseph Rance.

The family will receive friends Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

A funeral service will be held Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at noon at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana, with Father Chad Johnson officiating.

Burial will follow at Columbiana Cemetery, Columbiana.

Military honors will be accorded by the Bejamin Firestone Post #290 American Legion Honor Guard and a Fourth Degree Service will be led by the Knights of Columbus.

Memorial donations may be made to The Rance Family Scholarship Fund c/o Leetonia Schools 450 Walnut St. Leetonia, OH 44431.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.

9/23/23