Donald Lee Chance, MSgt., USAF (Retired)
June 17, 1932 – August 20, 2013

Mr. Donald Lee Chance, 81, of Zellwood Station, Florida, died on August 20,2013 after a brief battle with cancer. Don was born in Boothwyn, PA., on June 17, 1932.

He graduated from Upper Chichester High School in 1951. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served 22 years, including two tours in the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action for helicopter rescue under fire. He also received multiple other medals and awards, including the Air Medal and Bronze Star.

He met and married Yvonne Gilbert in Dallas, Texas, on March 21, 1952 and traveled to many AF bases until retirement in 1973.

After working as an automotive mechanic in Orlando, Don spent 25 years of service for the U. S. Postal Service retiring in 1998.

Mr. Chance had many hobbies throughout his life and was known for his ability to fix almost anything. He was tagged with the nickname of Tinker Bell for his knack for taking items and repairing them, whether they were cars, radios, sprinklers, or just about anything else. His favorite hobby above all was fishing. He could outlast all others, either sitting on a bank, a river or lake in Alaska, the oceans of Okinawa or Florida or finally, from his boat on Lake Cohen in Zellwood Station.

Don is survived by his wife of 61 years; two daughters, Rita Maisak of South Ogden,UT, Donna Hoffman of Charleston, SC; two sons, Richard Chance of Gainesville, FL, and Steven Chance of Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, 601 North Park Avenue, Apopka, Florida 32712. Phone (407) 886-1461