Robert A. Lance

April 13, 1940 - October 13, 2020

SAN DIEGO, CA — Robert passed away peacefully at home. Born in Bismarck, North Dakota, he was one of nine children. At the age of 18, he moved to San Diego, CA to join the Navy. He was honorably discharged after serving four years aboard the U.S.S. El Dorado. It was here in San Diego where he met his lovely wife Anna Laughlin and his lifelong friend Delilah Lancaster.

Robert and Anna were happily married for 30 years. After leaving the Navy, Robert became a barber, then a realtor, and worked as a UPS delivery truck driver until his retirement. Robert enjoyed traveling and building houses. He designed and built the home that he shared with Anna. Anna passed away in 1994. Robert moved to the 7 Oaks Senior Community in Rancho Bernardo after her passing.

Beginning in 2001, Robert took on the role of “Grandpa Robert” for all four of Delilah’s grandchildren, eventually moving into a house with her in 2018. Robert is survived by his companion Delilah, her children Don Claypool and his wife Letty, Lyn Bollinger and her husband Ken, Don’s children Rachel and Jocey Claypool, Lyn’s children Thomas and Elise Bollinger, and his siblings still living in Bismarck, Sharon Steiger, Kenneth Schlecht, Charles Schelcht, Linda Parsons, Vicky Martin, Timothy Keiser, and Josephine Perkins.

His memorial service will be held at a later date at the Dearborn Memorial Park in Poway, CA.

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