Obituary of Melvin Junior Vance

Funeral Services for Melvin Junior Vance of Winfield, MO will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Winfield.  J. Larry Carter of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home will officiate.  Burial with Full Military Honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.  Serving as pallbearers will be Jeffrey Penrod, Travis McLain, Jake Vance, Josh Vance, Jeff Kraml, Tony Holmes and Tim Harris.

           
Mr. Vance, 71, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 29, 2019 at SSM St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles, MO.  Born June 20, 1947 in Reynolds, MO, he was the son of Melvin Otis and Violet Ladova Johnson Vance.  Mel was a graduate of Pattonville High School.  He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from December 16, 1966 until he was honorably discharged on December 13, 1968.  Mel worked as a Police Officer in Lake St. Louis, MO for several years. 

He was united in marriage on December 6, 1985 in Lake St. Louis to Johnanne Margaret Smith.  This union was blessed with one daughter, Melanie Ann.  Mel was employed for many years as a carpenter for Whittaker.  He loved to build things, go outside and watch the birds and drive around looking for garage sales.  Mel was a member of VFW Post #5517 in Winfield.

           
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Violet Vance; and one sister, Betty Rolley.

           
Survivors include his beloved wife of 33 years, Anne Vance of Winfield; three daughters: Melanie Vance of Troy, MO, Amber Vance of O’Fallon, MO and Dawn Samis of Arizona; eight grandchildren: Travis McLain, Mackaylia and Kiyra Brake, David and Darrell Dillon, Lily Hansen, Michael Vance and Ashley Ossana; and several great-grandchildren.  Mel also leaves his brother, Jerry Vance and his wife, Tina, of Elsberry, MO; his loving dog, Cyrus; other relatives and friends.

           
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Services at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Winfield.  Memorials may be made to the Family of Melvin Vance in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home , 3838 East Highway 47, P.O. Box 253, Winfield, MO 63389.