Born August 7, 1949, in Canton, IL, John was raised in Smithfield, IL. He was the youngest son of Dale and Mary (Grigsby), who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was one brother, Dale McCance.
Surviving John are his wife of 47 years, Sue (Keene); their four children, Heather (Mike) Patterson of Cuba, IL, Nathan McCance of Chicago, IL, Annie McCance (Jess Luther) of St. Louis, MO, and Katie (Dylan) Reimer of Avon, CO; six grandchildren, Caitlin, Abbey, Brooklynn, Morgan, Ellie, and Maddie Patterson; and Linda McCracken-Shaver of Wilcox, AZ, K. Sue (David) Roberts of Cuba, IL, Arlene (Harold) Ford of Geneseo, IL, Darlene English Thurman of Macomb, IL, and Robert (Sherry) McCance of Marietta, IL.
John graduated from Cuba High School in 1967, then from Canton Community College before earning a Bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University where he majored in Art/English Education.
Working his way through college, John was employed at Day & Palin grocery store in Cuba. He then began his teaching career at Lewistown Central School; he also worked in the Cuba and Avon, IL, school districts. In 1978, John returned to Day & Palin and remained there until 1994, when he was hired to teach in the Roseville School District. In 2012, he retired following 17 years teaching art at Ingersoll Middle in the Canton Union School District #66.
John’s skill and enthusiasm for teaching was matched by his passion for coaching youth sports. Over the years, he coached track and basketball at Roseville Elementary, basketball at Canton High, and track at Ingersoll, providing guidance and leadership to dozens of young athletes. Most recently, John led the 2016-2017 Cuba Middle School 7th Grade Lady Cardinals to the Elite Eight in the IESA tournament.
Painting was John’s gift; he won multiple Best in Show awards in and around Fulton County. One could also frequently find John away from his easel and up on a ladder, painting innumerable houses in the area. He loved making art, finishing a daily crossword puzzle, reading, and listening to music. Most of all, John enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Services will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba. Burial will be in Fiatt Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday from 5-7 PM at the memorial home. Memorial contributions may be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or any charity of the donor’s choice. To view John’s life tribute video or to send condolences visit henrylange.com
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