Robert Lewis Nance

Robert “Bob” Lewis Nance, 89, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on August 27th, surrounded by family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and one of the last true wildcatters in the American oil and gas industry, Bob lived a life defined by vision, perseverance, humility, and generosity.

Bob and his beloved wife, Penni, began their journey together with just $2,000 in the bank and an unshakable belief that he could find oil where others had failed. That belief became the foundation of Nance Petroleum, headquartered in Billings, and his legacy as a geologist of remarkable intuition, innovation, and resolve.

Born with a natural sense for what was both practical and profitable, Bob was among the earliest in the Rockies to embrace 3-D seismic and horizontal drilling technologies, using them to discover reserves others had overlooked. His career began as an intern at DeGolyer & McNaughton while attending Southern Methodist University, where he earned his B.S. in Petroleum Geology. After graduating, he joined Oliver & West and, by 1964, was named Vice President and Chief Geologist, opening and leading the firm’s Denver office.

In time, Bob founded his own consulting firm, Nance & LaRue, with longtime friend John LaRue. A client’s drilling program of 21 straight dry holes brought him to Billings, where he saw extraordinary potential. After finishing the program, he returned briefly to Dallas, but the lure of Montana remained. With Penni’s encouragement—“We either need to move to Billings or you need to stop talking about it”—Bob made the move in 1968. From there, the rest truly was history.

Over the decades, Bob’s professional leadership and vision were widely recognized. He served on many industry boards and was a longtime member of many associations. His peers honored him with some of the industry’s highest awards: the IPAMS Wildcatter of the Year (1999), IPAA’s Chief Roughneck of the Year (2002), and the Rocky Mountain Oil and Gas Hall of Fame (2004).

Beyond the oil patch, Bob left an indelible mark on the Billings community. He served as Chairman of the Board of Deaconess Medical Center, overseeing its historic merger which formed the present-day Billings Clinic, and as Chairman of the Board for Rocky Mountain College, which awarded him an honorary Doctorate. With Penni, his philanthropy helped shape the future of healthcare in Montana through the Bob and Penni Nance Infusion Center and the Bob and Penni Nance Pediatrics Unit at Billings Clinic.

Bob also lent his wisdom to numerous corporate boards, including First Interstate Bank, Montana Dakota Utilities, and St. Mary Land & Exploration.

Beyond his career and community work, Bob had a lifelong love of adventure under the sea. He was an avid scuba diver who explored waters across the globe, but his favorite place—and the one that held his heart—was Kona Village Resort (KVR) on the Big Island of Hawaii. There, he made countless dives alongside his son Scott, daughter Amy, and son-in-law Brian. One of his proudest moments was watching his grandson Clay become certified at KVR, carrying on the family’s tradition of diving. Just as special were the evenings spent with Penni, his daughter Cathy, and his granddaughter Dana, enjoying a Mai Tai and watching the breathtaking Hawaiian sunsets. These moments at KVR—combining adventure, family, and the beauty of nature—were among the happiest of his life.

Just as the ocean called him, so too did the rivers of Montana. At his second home in Big Sky, Bob spent countless hours wading into the Gallatin River and its many tributaries. Fly rod in hand, he reveled in both the solitude of the water and the company of those he loved. He taught Amy, Brian and his grandson Clay how to fly fish “the civilized way” in Big Sky, passing along not just the skill but the joy of the sport.

At the heart of his life was family. Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Penni; daughter Amy Cebull (Brian); son Scott (Erika); daughter Cathy; and his cherished grandchildren, Clay Cebull (Halley) and Dana Cebull. He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth, as well as many beloved aunts and uncles. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he delighted in sharing his stories, humor, and love with them.

Throughout his career, Bob was more than just a leader—he was a mentor and role model to his family, countless colleagues, friends, and aspiring professionals in the oil and gas industry. He was someone whom everyone respected and looked up to, not only for his knowledge and accomplishments but also for his integrity, humility, and generosity of spirit.

A proud Texan at heart, Bob carried his love for the Dallas Cowboys with him throughout his life. No matter where oil and opportunity took him, Sundays were reserved for cheering on 'America’s Team.' His loyalty to the team was as steadfast as his loyalty to family and friends, a reminder that he never forgot his roots.

Bob will be remembered as a pioneer, a leader, a community builder, and above all, a devoted family man. If there is oil to be found in heaven, Bob will surely be the one to discover it.

The Nance family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the compassionate caregivers who brought comfort and dignity to his final days.

A memorial service for Bob will be held on Thursday, October 9th at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Billings, followed by a celebration of his life at the Hilands Golf Club. The family invites all who knew and loved him to join in honoring his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Billings Clinic Foundation.