Billy Emmett Vance

1915 - 2011

Billy Emmett Vance obituary, 1915-2011, Marion, TX

BORN

1915

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

Goetz Funeral Home

713 North Austin Street

Seguin, Texas

Billy Vance Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 22, 2011.

Billy Emmett Vance, Lt Col, United States Air Force (retired), 95, passed away 20 October 2011 at Brooke Army Medical Center (he still called it "Brooke General") in San Antonio. He was born 28 December 1915, in San Antonio TX to George Milton Vance and Leona Pearl Sutton Vance. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Florence Beatrize Heath Vance Shaw; brother, Jean Sutton Vance; sisters, Mildred Ruth Vance Saathoff, June Vance, and Ramona Mae Vance Buchanan and his children's mother, Josephine Mathilda Trager Jarrett. He is survived by his wife, Jane Eloise Helms Vance (Maj USAF, Ret) of Marion; daughter, Jo Anne Vance Hyatt of Pipe Creek; sons, Fred Milton Vance and wife Bonnye of Bulverde, and Brian Arthur Vance and wife Carol of Austin; granddaughters, Darleen Marie Dixon Griffin and husband Jimi of Port Aransas, and Michelle Yvonne Dixon Pierce and husband Darrell of Hondo; great-grandson, Devin William Griffin of New Braunfels; brother, Jack Milton Vance of San Antonio; sisters, Leona Rose Vance of Boerne, and Violet Maradel Vance Page and husband Richard of Boerne; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and fellow patriots.

Bill was a member of the Brackenridge High School Class of 1933, and an active member of the Mid-Thirties Alumni Association. He was born into "The Greatest Generation," and began his military career in 1932 by enlisting in the Texas National Guard, serving at Kelly Field TX. He received his commission in the United States Army Air Forces (Air Corps) following Officer Candidate School in Miami Beach FL in 1942. Various tours of duty took him and his family to San Angelo Army Air Field TX, Adak Island AK, Goodfellow Field TX, Randolph Field TX, Scott AFB IL, Connally AFB TX, and Elmendorf AFB AK. Col Vance retired from active duty in 1956 at Abilene AFB TX.

Thereafter, he continued to serve his country in US Civil Service at the Air Force Military Personnel Center at Randolph AFB TX. Following his wife Jane's transfer to the National Guard Bureau in 1979, he retired from Civil Service. During his active life, Bill was an avid hunter, particularly for white-tail deer and Rio Grande turkey. His hunting camp partners looked forward each fall season to his annual enchilada dinner.

Bill was a Mason for 67 years, a member of Guadalupe Lodge 109, and received the Golden Trowel Award for Exceptional Service from the Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. & A.M. in 1993.

Visitation will be held at Goetz Funeral Home, Seguin TX, on Wednesday the 26th October 2011 from 5:00 til 7:00 p.m. Graveside services will be conducted at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Thursday the 27th October 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
with the Rev. James Witschorke officiating. Memorials may be sent to The Salvation Army, 633 E. Court St., Seguin TX 78155.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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October 26, 2011

Margarita Helms

I am going to miss Uncle Bill very much. He was always a joy to be around. I am just so very happy that little Eric & I were able to know him. We love you Jane, and we'll be strong for you.

October 25, 2011

Stephen Willis

Billy was my fathers best friend and like a member of our family. He was one of the warmest people I've known and always happy to be in your company. He helped strenghten the bond between my father and I when it was being tested. I will always be thankful for that and blessed for having him in my life. Bill was one of the best men I have known.

October 24, 2011

Jane, I will always cherrish the conversations " over the fence " the neigborhood get togethers and the frienship both of you provided through the years. Bill will always be remembered for his hunting stories and his genuine sincerity....
Duane and Norajill Winstead Boerne, Tx.

October 24, 2011

Billy was someone you could always count on to listen and understand your situation. He was a great inspiration for young and old. The AF Personell Center is what it is today in large part because of Billy's drive and enthusiasm. More than anything, Billy was just a good friend and a pleasure to be around. He will be missed.
Ken King (San Antonio, TX)

October 24, 2011

Wanda Vance

Jane,
I was very sorry to hear about Bill. However, he had a very full and wonderful life. I know you and family will miss him but he is now in a better place at peace. My prayers are with you all.

October 24, 2011

Scotty Lowes

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

October 24, 2011

Jimmy Maxwell Sr

Billy will always be one of my best friends and my Brother Mason. We will all miss him very much. I recall the times we had trash pick-up on HWY 46, my gosh that man was sure hard to keep up with.

October 23, 2011

Marilyn Helms

Jane,
Bill's motto, if it was good you did it and if it was bad you didn't do it; there were no gray areas for him. He was an inspiration to my children as though they were his own. He was a good person who was kind to others and there is no other way to be. We miss him terribly.

October 23, 2011

Jane,

I remember Billy as being a rock -- someone who I could count on to help me as a young officer and show me what it took to be a committed professional. I hope you are well and please know that Karen and I will be thinking of you and praying for you

October 23, 2011

Glenn Birdwell

I will miss Bill's enthusiasm at the deer camp...enthusiasm as a football fan, a hunter, and a friend. He never lost the simple pleasure associated with going to the woods and being part of the experience...an inspiration and example to all.

October 23, 2011

George & Nana Zoll

Billy was my first boss when I started working at AFMC back in 1973. Great boss and a true friend. Fond memories of our hunting trips to Arizona and Black Gap (Texas) with Duke� Fraley and his son, Brian. Nana & I attended his 80th and 90th birthday party and (regretfully) have been out of touch recently. He had a full and adventurous life. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

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Funeral services provided by:

Goetz Funeral Home

713 North Austin Street, Seguin, TX 78155

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