John Dell Vance Sr.

John Dell Vance, Sr. a second-generation native of Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home December 13, 2011 at the age of 80. John was born on the family farm in Gilbert, AZ on March 23, 1931, the son of James D. and Edna Page Vance, both deceased. He attended school in Gilbert through the sixth grade, after which he moved to Chandler. At Chandler High School, John was an outstanding football and basketball player, and a member of the Future Farmers of America. Throughout his childhood, he loved working at his grandfather's grocery store, Page Mercantile, in downtown Gilbert. John's grandfather and his family were among Gilbert's prominent founding families, and his grandfather served as one of Gilbert's first mayors. John began farming cotton on his own in the East Valley shortly after marrying his high school sweetheart, Oneta Brooks, in 1951. He also founded his own custom cotton picking business, providing a valuable service to other farmers in the area. He served in the AZ National Guard under the direction of General Jackson Bogle, and was a supervisor of the East Maricopa Soil Conservation District, as well as a member of the Arizona State Soil Conservation Board. Other appointments included President and Vice President of the Board of Directors for Chandler Ginning Company, member of the Maricopa County Farm Bureau, Arizona Farm Bureau, and Arizona Cattle Growers Association. In 1975, John was chosen as Farmer of the Year and was on the cover of Cotton Farming Magazine. John held numerous leadership positions in the Chandler Nazarene Church, served as Scoutmaster of Chandler's Troop 4 and was an advisor in Explorer Scouting for many years. John earned the gratitude and affection of his community by providing jobs for young people, teaching good farming techniques to his employees, helping his neighbors through difficult times, and by placing the needs and welfare of others ahead of his own needs and desires. John had a servant's heart and always kept God first in his life. John and Oneta instilled in their kids and grandkids these same values. He and Oneta gave of their time and resources in helping others. John led by example and quietly blessed the lives of many. He believed that you couldn't go wrong if you would just "Pay It Forward" without expecting anything in return. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Oneta; four children, Deneen Nielson (Kirk), Dell Vance (Denise), Lori Fulenwider (Steve), and Jan Friedman (Gregg); twelve grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, all of whom affectionately called him "Pappy." He is also survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. A celebration of John's life is planned for 10:00 am Mon., Dec. 19, at the Chandler First Church of the Nazarene, 301 N. Hartford Street, Chandler. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Vance Memorial Fund, c/o 5869 S. Kyrene Rd., #18, Tempe, AZ 85283. Arrangements by Bueler Mortuary

Click here to view the obituary as it appeared in print.