In Memory of Lemuel Vance
- Post 240
- May 10
- 2 min read
Lemuel Vance Obituary
Lemuel Lawrence Vance, a devoted man of God, veteran, lifelong Oklahoman, and avid OU Sooners fan, was called home on the evening of April 16, 2026, at the age of 83. He had battled pulmonary fibrosis for six years.
Born on November 13,1942 in Tulsa, OK, to Leslie Willard and Lois Vance. Lemuel grew up with the grit and character that would define his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before returning home to build a life and begin a career in the pipeline industry, a profession that mirrored his own strength and endurance. He successfully owned and operated Mr. V’s restaurant in Salina for almost five years. He loved the opportunity the business gave to so many others to learn skills fundamental to future successes. After, he returned to the pipeline industry, retiring in 2000.
Lemuel was a cornerstone of his community and fixture on the sidelines of local ballfields where he spent years coaching Little League sports. If you were on Lemuel’s team you weren’t just coached how to win, you were coached on integrity, hard work and discipline.
Lemuel met Joyce (Reeves) in 1962 while she was working at a soda fountain in Maryland and he was stationed in Virginia. They were married on September 4, 1964 in Skaitook and moved to Salina, OK in 1970 to plant roots. Their greatest legacy is their family. He shared three children with Joyce: Tracy Vance, Bryan (Linnea) Vance and Michael (Amber) Vance. He proudly supported each of his 9 grandchildren and three great grandchildren in everything they did; Danielle Silverstone (Robert), Kourtney Middleton, Corey Vance, Jacob Vance, Alley Vance, Kaydee Copeland, Ethan Vance, Addison Vance, and Tayla Vance as well as Tyler Silverstone, Averi Silverstone and Mia Silverstone. He lost Joyce in 2010 to her own battle with pulmonary fibrosis. In 2011, he found companionship with Patricia Vance (Gore) after a brave introduction on the local golf course. They were married on April 22, 2013 and enjoyed 13 years of travel, Cardinals baseball, adventure ziplining, golf across America and their blended families.
He is survived by his sister, Carolyn (Moore) Billups.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 45 years Joyce, grandsons JJ Copeland and Owen Silverstone, and brothers Ronnie Vance and Raymond Vance.
Lemuel will be remembered by his family as a man who worked hard with his hands, loved deeply with his heart, and lived his life as a testament to his faith.
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