Loren Clyde Vance, 89, of Farmersville died on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Copper Creek Memory Care in Litchfield.
Visitation for Mr. Vance will be held Thursday morning, July 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Girard. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Girard. He will be buried next to his wife Dorothy.
Mr. Vance’s story started on a farm in Palmyra where he grew up in a strong Christian environment, surrounded by family. He was drafted into the Army soon after graduating from Palmyra High School. While he was home on furlough, he met the pretty Dorothy Irene Burns. They were married within six weeks bringing his furlough to a romantic close.
The couple had a daughter, Vicki Jo, who was only on this earth for a few short weeks. They went on to have three more children, Marsha, Ricky and Steven. In 1997, Dorothy died after 40 years of marriage. Mr. Vance met and married the wonderful Carol Leonard in 2000, and they were married for 23 years. The seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who lovingly called him ‘Pops’ brought him great joy and the newest baby was always his favorite.
Mr. Vance worked for short time at Allis Chalmers in Springfield. An employee for 40 years with J.F.Boente and Sons gas company, in Carlinville, he helped pioneer the first propane delivery route. He was dedicated to his customers, and made sure they had the propane supply necessary to keep their homes comfortable. He also loved to work with his hands, and had a garage full of tools to prove it.
A loving, hardworking, loyal and patriotic Christian, he leaves behind a grateful family that will miss him very much.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Vance of Farmersville; children, Marsha (Doug) Orr of Farmersville, Rick (Karen) Vance of Washington, Steven (Margy) Vance of Raymond; brother, Eldon (Sherron) Vance of Virden; grandchildren, Lindsay, Justin, Chris, Jeffrey, Kaitlyn, Marcus and Tommy; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Grace Southern Baptist Church in Virden. Online condolences or to light a candle in his memory may be left at www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com.
