David Raymond Nance

December 31, 1935 – October 4, 2026

David Raymond Nance, 90, beloved husband, father and grandfather, as well as Registered Professional Engineer and respected community leader, passed away October 4, 2026, in Muskegon, Michigan.

David was born in Kansas City, Kansas, December 31, 1935, to Raymond and Bonnie Lee Nance. He graduated from Wyandotte High School, then attended the University of Kansas where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. David also served in the National Guard. He later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Western Michigan University.

Family was central to David’s life. He adored and forever loved his wife, C. Jane Nance, whom he met during his senior year of high school, and with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage. He was very proud of his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, and always had genuine interest in their daily lives.

David lived in Kansas City, Kansas; Cleveland, Ohio; Decatur, Alabama; St. Louis, Missouri; North Muskegon, Michigan; Pittsburg, Kansas; and North Port, Florida. He was active into his 80s playing lots of tennis and golf, and also liked snow skiing, water skiing, and traveling.

Throughout his life, David was known for his warmth and remarkable ability to connect with people. He formed lasting friendships across the United States and around the world, and genuinely enjoyed conversations with everyone he met. While his leadership earned respect from fellow colleagues and community members, those he knew will remember him most for his friendliness, curiosity, humor, and sincere interest in others.

David built a distinguished career throughout the specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, and environmental industries. He was active in numerous professional associations, which included serving as a member of the University of Kansas School of Engineering Advisory Board and Kansas Geological Survey Advisory Council.

In addition to his professional life, David was a member of the Community Methodist Church in Muskegon and served as president of the Greater Muskegon Jaycees, chairman of United Way of the Lakeshore, district governor for International Rotary, a member of the North Muskegon City Council, as well as commissioner and mayor for the City of Pittsburg, Kansas where he founded the Pittsburg Beautiful Committee.

David is survived by his sons, Christopher (Mignon) and Kenneth (Kristin); grandchildren Barrett, Sophie, and Arielle; stepsister Judy Harries; and stepbrother Duane Moore.

A private family funeral service will be held at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Olathe, Kansas next Spring where David will be laid to rest beside his wife Jane who passed in 2008.

Flowers in David’s memory may be sent via Wasserman’s Flowers and Gifts in Muskegon to Trinity Health Village at the Oaks, 1740 Village Drive, Muskegon, MI 49442.