Vance Gordon Mitchell

Vance Gordon Mitchell, "Vito", of Crestview, Florida, tragically passed away on November 28th, 2025, at the age of 55.

Born to Richard Mitchell and Constance Mitchell in West Covina, California, on January 9, 1970. He was part of an Air Force family after his mother remarried to Richard Shoemaker, who raised Vance as his own. During his childhood he got to see many parts of the world, before making his home in Okaloosa County.

Vance graduated from Crestview High School, "Go Bulldogs" in 1988, excelling in physical fitness and playing football, where his team won the state championship for Baker high school when he attended in 1984.

After his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country in the 1st war effort in Iraq. He was also stationed in Germany, where he learned to speak German fluently, playing semi-professional football for the duration of his stay. In 1992, Vance was medically discharged from his patriotic duties and returned home to Florida.

In 1993, Vance started his own business, On The Spot Detailing Service, becoming the first to offer mobile auto detailing in the Florida Panhandle of Okaloosa County.

In the early 2000s, he went on to establish his own construction business, where he became well known for his work on several corporate projects that are still standing today. He was truly a jack of all trades; Among his most recent achievements were becoming certified in beekeeping and HVAC, which reflected his lifelong passion for learning and hands-on craftsmanship.

Vance has a personality larger than life and endless energy, never showing any signs of slowing, even after his unofficial ban from Dairy Queen because of his milkshake mania. A natural-born, charismatic leader, he never met a stranger and was an absolute go-getter in everything he did. One of his expressions was "you can just drop me off anywhere, and I'll survive". Admittedly, he was annoying to be around at times. Vance held onto his friends and was loved dearly by many. The only one of his kind in terms of unmatched resilience, he will be greatly missed and his memories cherished.

He is preceded in death by his mother, "Connie" Keller; stepfather, Richard Shoemaker & sister, Mary Shoemaker.

Vance is survived by his children Ellexas (Max) and her mother Melissa Sambenedetto, Kayla; Jacob; sisters: Taelynn(Eddie), Carolyn & April; brothers: Tommy & Richard(Mikal); Step Mother, Kathy Shoemaker; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and everyone who knew him as a friend.

A funeral service in his honor will be held at Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida Thursday, December 11th, 2025, at 6:00 PM, with a visitation for friends and family to pay respects one hour prior. He will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola Friday, December 12th, 2025, at 11:00 AM with military honors rendered.

Guests are encouraged to wear green. For those who can't make it to the funeral you may view a live stream the services here.