Obituary of Walter W Lance, Jr.

Bucky Lance, lifelong volunteer and resident of Whitehouse Station. 

Walter “Bucky” W. Lance, Jr., age 91 of Whitehouse Station, NJ, died peacefully at home with his family by his side, on Thursday, April 27, 2017.

A life-long resident of Whitehouse Station, he was the son of the late Walter and Sadie (Hoffman) Lance, Sr. and brother of the late Elizabeth Lance Landon.

In 1947 he married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Shirley Voorhees Lance. They shared 54 happy and fun-filled years together before her passing in 2001. Bucky and Shirley were always ‘young at heart’ and a lot of fun to be around.  They had many wonderful life-long friends, as well as friends they met along the way, who they enjoyed being with. Wherever they were, home, LBI or elsewhere, it was always a good time.  Together they had 3 girls (Sandy, Cindy & Penny) but throughout their lives, they had many ‘adopted’ children they helped guide as well.  

Bucky owned and operated Hunterdon Hills Milk Company from 1948 to 1960, where he delivered milk and milk products throughout Hunterdon County to his many customers.  He then served as the Readington Township School Bus Coordinator in addition to being a school bus driver for 30 years before his retirement in 1990.

Bucky was very active in the community throughout his entire life.  He was instrumental in forming (1954), coaching and sponsoring the East Hunterdon County Little League Association and was also a trustee of the Whitehouse Athletic Association until his passing.  An avid baseball player himself, Bucky played short stop in many of the baseball leagues in Hunterdon County where he won many trophies. Bucky bred and raised fox terriers with his father; was an avid hunter and trapper and enjoyed bowling on two different leagues.

Bucky was a lifetime member (71 years) and devoted much of his time as a volunteer to the Whitehouse Fire Company #1.  He was also an active participant in the construction of the original firehouse which still remains home to the organization today.  Joining at the age of 21 in 1946, through his years of service he held multiple officer positions, which included being Fire Chief for 8 years.  In addition to a huge celebration in 1997 in his honor for 50 years of service, Bucky has also been recognized with many other awards from the fire company for his dedication and accomplishments throughout his years of service.  Up until his passing, Bucky continued to be responsible for delivering the fire house mail.

In addition, Bucky also volunteered for Meals on Wheels of Hunterdon County for 22 years, was a member of the Flemington Elks Lodge #1928 for 50 years, a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #284, a blood donor for 40 years and a lifetime member of the Rockaway Reformed Church, of which he was the oldest living member until his passing.  Throughout his lifetime he has been recognized with numerous awards, plaques and certificates for his services. 

Bucky dedicated his life to his family, the community and his friends.   Simply put, Bucky enjoyed life and helping others. On December 5, 2015, Bucky celebrated his 90th birthday party with over 100 family and friends in attendance. He had a big smile and twinkle in his eye for everyone that greeted him.

Along with his parents and wife, Shirley, Bucky was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Lance Landon in 1997.

He is survived by his three loving daughters, Sandy Rynearson (Lee Taylor) of Whitehouse Station, Cindy Strober of Whitehouse Station, and Penny Rodenbaugh (Rich Cordes) of Newtown, PA; his six grandchildren, Barry Rynearson (Norina); Michelle Jordan (Jeff); Amy Layton (Michael); Julie Francis (Nigel); Stacey Luczejko (Matt); Lance Rodenbaugh (Kim) and honorary grandchild, Tracy Wright (Mark).  He is also survived by his six great grandchildren, Katelyn Rynearson, Ava Sandra Jordan, Gavin and Stanley Layton, Macie and Nathan Francis and 2 honorary great grandchildren, Carter Wright and the late, Mackenzie Wright and his Nephews, Jesse Landon, Darryl Dillon, John Dillon and Niece, Pamela Dillon Massa.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, April 30, 2017 from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Rockaway Reformed Church, 115 Main Street, Whitehouse Station. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Lebanon.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the Whitehouse Fire Company #1, Rockaway Reformed Church, American Legion Post 284, Hunterdon County Meals on Wheels or the Whitehouse Rescue Squad.