Francis Omri Vance, 92

Francis Omri Vance (“Frank”) was born February 19, 1932, the one of four sons of Tina (Meester) and Floy Vance.  Frank passed away of natural causes on May 18, 2024, at the age of 92.

Frank married Darlene Elnora DeGroote on May 2, 1952, at St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville.  The couple made their home in Clarksville their entire marriage.  Frank and Darlene had six children; Francis Allen, Larry Lee, Lola May, Valerie Ann, Kim Darlene and Henry George.  Frank was notorious for giving each of his children a nickname.

Frank and Darlene shared over 62 years of marriage and during that time together they enjoyed many trips to California visiting family and friends.  Frank and Darlene also enjoyed going camping owning several camping units during their marriage including the black and yellow “Swat” van.  Frank loved his pets including many of his beloved dogs including Hammy, Shorty, FiFi, Jersey and Jolene.  

Frank spent his younger years residing with his paternal grandparents’ and helping run their family business, Vance’s Jersey Dairy.  He graduated from the Clarksville Community School District.  Frank was a Korean War Veteran serving as a forward observer for the army forces for nearly 2 years.  Frank worked at various industrial facilities including Clay Equipment, Bantam Division of Koehring and Hobson Brothers as a skilled welder.  

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, one brother (Ken Vance), one sister-in-law (LaVonne Vance) and one grandson-in-law, Shawn Clark and several close half siblings.

Frank is survived by six children, Frankie (Barb) Vance of Clarksville, Larry Vance of Hampton, Lola (Dave) Dohlman of Dumont, Valerie Clayton of Allison, Kim (Bob) Franken of Clear Lake, and Henry (JJ) Vance of Clarksville, 16 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and two brothers, Daniel (Florence) Vance and Tom (Edna) Vance.

Frank is also survived by his dear friend and companion of over 9 years, Janet Vance.  During those 9 years Frank and Janet went on several bus tours, attended music events, gardened, put countless puzzles together and shared many meals together.

Per Frank’s wishes he was cremated and will be laid to rest beside his wife during a private family service on June 2 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville.