Lance E. Drudge Sr., 79, of Edwardsburg, passed away suddenly, after a fall at his home. He was taken to St. Joe Medical Center in Mishawaka, where he lost his battle from the injury and passed early Monday, Nov. 12.

He was born March 13, 1939, in Elkhart, to Edward and Ruth (O’Connor) Drudge. Lance has lived in the Edwardsburg area most of his life.

He served in the U.S. Navy. He was a Seabee. He also worked in factories and was a truck driver, before he found his passion bartending.

Lance was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W. in Edwardsburg.

Lance and Debbie (Rubbish) were married on Dec. 17, 1976. They had two kids together, a son in 1978 and a daughter in 1980. Lance already had two boys, Lance Drudge Jr. and Randy Drudge.

They purchased the Uptown Tavern together in 1983, which they ran together for more than 25 years. Debbie passed away on May 30, 2011.

Lance loved hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, working in his yard and drinking with his friends. He loved his PBR and blackberry brandy.

Surviving are his children; Kristy Drudge (Don), of Edwardsburg, Shane Drudge (Andrea), of Edwardsburg, Randy Drudge (Tammy), of Elkhart, and Lance Drudge Jr., of Moberly, Missouri. He has 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Denise (Donny) Hosler and a brother Stephen Drudge, both of Elkhart. Preceding him in death are his parents, Edward and Ruth Drudge and siblings Karen and Jimmy.

Family and friends may gather on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 for visitation at Hope United Methodist Church, 69941 Elkhart Rd, Edwardsburg from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. The Funeral Service will also be at Hope United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 at 11 a.m. Family and friends may gather from 10 to 11 a.m., for a final visitation. The service will be performed by Rev. Scott Otis.

Interment will follow at Adamsville with the U.S. Navy Honor Guard playing Taps and folding the American Flag. They will be assisted by the Color Guard from the American Legion and the V.F.W.

A funeral dinner will be at the American Legion following the interment at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial Donations may be made to Chemical Bank, 68955 M-62, Edwardsburg, MI 49112.

Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.