Terry D. Vance CMSGT (RET) USAF, age 81, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025. Terry was born on November 18, 1943, in Cave City, Arkansas the son of Euric and Maude Vance, Terry and his twin brother were the seventh and eighth of nine children.
Terry attended Manila High School in Manila, Arkansas where he was a star basketball player. In 1961 his basketball team finished State Runner-up followed by District 3A State Championship in 1962.
In 1963 Terry enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for 30 years before retirement in 1993. His service included tours in Vietnam, Germany, San Antonio, Texas, Minot, North Dakota and Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City South Dakota where he retired in 1993. During this time in the United States Air Force Terry was the first enlisted recipient of the Lieutenant General James H. Doolittle Project Warrior Award.
On October 1, 1969, Terry was united in marriage to Sylvia (Rogers) Vance and this union was blessed with three sons, Brad, Mike and Darren. Terry was proud of their three sons who followed in his footsteps by all serving in a branch of the military.
Terry enjoyed retirement, he loved traveling with Sylvia, visiting their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed home improvement projects, playing golf, cheering for the Green Bay Packers and taking time to sit on the deck with Sylvia.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 55 years, Sylvia; his sons Brad Vance and wife Deana of San Antonio, Texas; Mike Vance of Ozark, Missouri and Darren Vance and wife Melinda of San Diego, California; his brothers Jack Vance of St. Charles, Missouri, Bill Vance of Truxton, Missouri, Jerry Vance of Lancaster, Kentucky and Mike Vance and wife Eunice of Billings, Montana; seven grandchildren Amanda, Ashley, Brandon, Brittany, Zach, Bailey and Grace; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and loving friends.
Funeral services for Terry will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Thursday in the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 7, 2025, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.
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Mary Grueschow says
March 4, 2025 at 12:50 pmPlease know that you are all in our thoughts during this difficult time. Praying God’s comfort, peace, and strength for the days ahead. Sending you hugs and sharing your tears!
Mary and Roger.
Mary (Borger) Johnson says
March 6, 2025 at 6:32 amThinking of all of you at this difficult time. Praying God gives you all the strength and peace you need at this time. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary (Borger) & Mike Johnson.