RUSHVILLE, Ind. -- An Indiana-native who survived the Pearl Harbor attacks passed away this past weekend.
Norman Lee Vance, of Rush County, Ind., died Aug. 6. He was 95 years old.
Vance was born Aug. 1, 1921 in New Castle, Indiana. He attended New Castle High School and was the first freshman in school history to letter in varsity track. He was a resident of Rushville when he passed.
After high school, Vance enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1940. He was assigned to the USS Pennsylvania BB38 and stationed at Pearl Harbor when World War II started.
Vance survived the surprise attacks on Pearl Harbor, and was later transferred to the USS Columbia CI 56.
He was awarded many WWII ribbons and 11 battle stars. Vance married Mary E. Henshaw on May 4, 1944, during the war. She preceded him in death on March 13, 1996.
Following his discharge, Vance went on to be a manager at Carter-Lanning Paint Store in Rushville for 45 years before retiring. He played guitar as a self-taught musician for several decades as a member of the Carter Lanning Band.
He is survived by his son Stephen, of Anderson, five grand children and 13 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 at Todd Funeral Centre & Crematory with Tony Ausburger officiating.
His burial will follow at Arlington East Hill Cemetery in Arlington, Ind.
