Timothy Lee Nance, 67, General Manager of Wellington Steakhouse until it closed 2010, passed away Monday, April 27. He was born December 13, 1952 in Sabetha, KS to Robert and Irene (Leonard) Nance. Many years of his childhood were spent in Panama where his parents were missionaries. His children and grandchildren loved hearing stories of his years in Central America. He returned to the U. S. as a freshman to attend high school and graduated from North Central H. S. in Morrowville, KS. He attended Emporia State University where he met and married Susan Adkins in 1973.

Tim never talked much, so when he did speak, people usually listened. He will be remembered for his patience. He supervised many employees at the Steakhouse and cared greatly for them, many of whom were like family.

He was an avid "classic car" lover, and he shared that passion with his brothers, his children and many others. Tim could build or fix anything and was always willing to help with a project. He was always quick with a joke, which his grandchildren loved and begged for. In his later years, he loved to sing old country songs with them. Tim was known for being a hard worker, and he had many pets that he loved dearly and spoiled rotten.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Nance; and brothers-in-law, John Porter and Joe Osman.

Survivors include his wife, Susan Nance of Wellington; children, David Nance and his wife Kelly of Wellington, Ben Nance of Wellington, Kristan DeJarnett and her husband Shawn of Wellington, Clay Nance of Parsons, KS, and Shannon Whipple of Beloit, KS; brothers, Marvin Nance and his wife Becky of Emporia, KS, and John Nance and his wife Anita of Georgetown, TX; sisters, Mary Porter of Winona, MN and Lois Osman of Emporia, KS; sisters-in-law, Roxi Nance of Wellington and Geri Thaete of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Ben DeJarnett, Addyson DeJarnett, Baylee Struble and her husband Skyler, Annika DeJarnett, Rhett Nance, Elly DeJarnett, Maddie Nance, Easton Nance, Isley Nance, Katie Cox and her husband Brandon, and Kevin Whipple; and great granddaughters, Kendall and Brenna Cox.

There will be a celebration of life for friends and family at a later date.

Memorials have been established with Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue or the Wellington Humane Society in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be left at or mailed to the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.