WILLIAM LANCLETT "LANCE" LaBRACHE

January 18, 1928 – August 1, 2010

William Lanclett "Lance" LaBrache, devoted husband of 62 years to Bonnie D. LaBrache, devoted father of Judy Gross, and an outstanding grandfather to Ashley Gross-Page and husband, Johnny and Lindsay Graham and husband, Waylon, passed from this life peacefully on Sunday afternoon surrounded by his family. "Papa", as he was called by those who adored him was cared for in his home by his loving wife, Bonnie, through many years of illness. He proudly took care of all of his "girls" until the very end and valiantly went to his next journey with the dignity and gentleness he taught them all.
He was born to a pioneer family from Northwest Florida having been raised by his mother, Alma Glass and grandparents, John Thomas and Sara Elizabeth Glass, who came from Holmes County to Bay County in the early 1900's. As a young man, he was raised in St. Andrews, Florida, and was born in the home that is now called "Uncle Ernies." He was educated in local schools starting grammar school in St. Andrew's Elementary and later finishing at Bay High School. He is remembered as a young man who was a star athlete excelling in baseball, and actually playing semi-pro ball.
For years he was associated with Bay County Sports at Oakland Terrace Park as an outstanding player and is largely remembered for playing on the St. Andrew Baptist Church team that was State Champions for many years. Lance then shared his talents with many boys in the junior major league level for years, but is admired most for coaching in the women's league and again leading a team to a "State Championship" several years in a row.
He then became active with his granddaughter Ashley's softball career and never missed a game from her Lynn Haven girl's league days to her high school years at Bay High School, while somehow finding time for he and Bonnie to teach Sunday School at St. Andrew Baptist Church touching many lives at this fine church.
Lance began a career at the "Navy Base" in 1950 which spanned 35 years ending with his retirement in 1985. Throughout his career he was involved in different projects such as SEALAB and NAVAIR. The Certificates of Outstanding Commendations are too numerous to list.
His involvement in public service began early and he was well known serving as President for many clubs including Oakland Terrace Men Club, Westside Men's Club, CB Club. Additionally, he was an active member of Emerald Coast Fellowship Church and the Masonic Lodge #212. Lance loved to cook and for years he served faithfully as chief cook and bottle washer for West Side Men's Club preparing dinners for hundreds often spearheading projects that helped to fund scholarships, community support and charitable contributions to local citizens in need.
Bonnie and the girls would like to thank the many friends, too numerous to even begin to list, and the doctors and their staffs that became friends to Lance including but not limited Dr. Tim Morierty, Dr. Scott Dean, Dr. James Kyker, Dr. Bill Flynn and to Barbara, Ashley and Dr. Peter Sylvester of Covenant Hospice.
The family will receive friends at Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Wilson Funeral Home