Wendell O Nance

January 17, 1937 - December 1, 2019

Wendell Nance Mr. Wendell Oliver Nance, 82, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at his home at Bethany Village. Wendell Oliver Nance was born in Elkville, Illinois, to Lois Bass and Harold Toney on January 17, 1937. Wendell was preceded in death by his mother Lois Bass (Robert “Bobby” Bass) and his father Rev. Harold Toney (Beatrice Hamer Toney). Beatrice Hamer Toney (step-mother) spent many hours crafting Wendell’s musical talents, during his summer visits. Wendell graduated from Elkville Community High School, attended Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis and studied voice at Butler University. Wendell relocated to Indianapolis with other members of the Nance family. Wendell married Phyllis Jo Warner on June 10, 1958 and were united for over 20 years. They have one daughter, Karen L. Coleman (Chicago, Illinois). Wendell professed a hope in Christ and was a lifetime member of Eastside Baptist Church, where he was the musical director and pianist for many years. Wendell was in charge of some of the largest musical extravaganzas in the city of Indianapolis. Wendell’s tenor voice would sing Calvary every Easter at Eastside. Wendell and his wife Phyllis traveled abroad to Rome, Paris, Hawaii, Spain, Switzerland, England and Brazil. Wendell was the proud holder of an Actors Card which verified that he was a Professional Actor. He did many stage plays, performed at dinner theatres and even wrote a family play entitled “Elkville, The Other Side of the Track”, along with a song “The Other Side of The Road” which was performed by family members and the reenactment of the families early years growing up in Elkville, Illinois. Wendell leaves to cherish his memory: One daughter: Karen L. Coleman. Grand-Children: Brenden D. Robinson, Kristen J. Kelly. Great-Grand-Children: Jalen C. Byrd, Kayla M. Robinson, Jordan D. Robinson. Four beautiful sisters: Ellouise Clayvon, Deborah Nelson, Beatrice “Beda” Bailey and Diane (Jerry) Keating. Phyllis Adair-Ward. One Uncle Gilbert Nance. Nieces and Nephews: Joseph Clayvon III., Dominica Clayvon, Andrea (Kemp) Jones, Wendy (Bradley) Belleville, Rodney Ellison, Richard Nelson, Tamora Nelson, Monique Nelson (preceded in death), Portia (Herb) Heller, Rebeccah Keating, Amanda Keating, Pat Toney, Earl Toney, Charlotte Lashley. Cousins, church family, Bethany Village residents and friends. Loving Care-Givers; Kim Nance, Robin Nance, Deborah Nance-Inman. Funeral services will be at 12 noon, Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Eastside Baptist Church with a two-hours visitation prior from 10 am - 12 noon. Wendell will be laid to rest at New Crown Cemetery. Quincy J. Webster Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.