Wayne Lorance Obituary

Wayne Clarence Lorance SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, SC - Wayne Clarence Lorance, born January 26, 1917 in Kansas City, MO, grew up in poverty on a farm near Lebanon, MO during the Great Depression. He joined the Navy in 1938, using his pay to save the family farm from foreclosure. His 30 year career in the Navy Hospital Corps included World War II service on a minesweeper during the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Anzio and Okinawa. He retired in 1968 as Master Chief Hospital Corpsman, then served as Northeast Regional Safety Inspector for the Dept. Agriculture for 11 years. His education began in a one-room country schoolhouse and finished with a Masters Degree in Environmental Health from George Washington University. Beginning in the Navy he learned to love travel, visiting different countries and delving into their cultures and religions, and especially getting to know the people. He was proud to have circumnavigated the earth, visited every continent, 63 countries, and all states but one. Wayne first came to Charleston for Hospital Corps School in 1940, returning as a Pharmacists Mate at Charleston Naval Hospital in 1951 when he bought his first house, on Isle of Palms. On retirement in 1982 he returned to build his dream home on Sullivans Island, where he spent his remaining years. It was a far cry from his humble rural beginnings. He loved watching ships pass through the harbor and especially, asking others to join him. Despite his success he remained at heart a simple farmer, loving to work outdoors, and happiest when helping others. Above all, the church was his foundation. Wayne is survived by his loving wife and partner of 67 years, Betty, his son Robert and daughters Donna and Marilyn, his sister, Helen Scarbrough, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at the Sunrise Presbyterian Church of Sullivans Island, a church Wayne helped found, on Monday, June 20, at 3 PM. Interment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle Street, Box 517, Sullivans Island, SC 29482, or Meals On Wheels anywhere. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths