Larry Gene Vance

Larry Gene Vance, 87, of Carthage, passed away early Tuesday morning, August 26, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. Larry was born March 8, 1938, the son of Junius and Evelyn (Fleming) Vance in Keokuk, Iowa. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1956. On September 9, 1959, he was united in marriage to Elaine Johnson at the Immanuel Lutheran Church near Basco and she preceded him in death in 1989. On March 17, 1990, he was united in marriage to Judy Melton Snodgrass at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Larry farmed and also worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring in June of 2000 after twenty years of service maintaining roads and highways. After retirement he began digging graves and was also the right hand for Printy Funeral Home for many years where he was an invaluable help and asset. He was an active community member and was very generous with his time and resources. He was often found at community events and parades with his horse and carriage providing rides, a service he loved. He and his family were members of the Bentley Community Saddle Club for many years, and he enjoyed horse auctions all over the area, especially Kalona Iowa. He faithfully attended his grandchildren's dance and sporting events and was known as the "candy-man" because of his pockets full of mints matching the colors of the grandchild's team he was there to support. He was a Republican Precinct committee member for many years and volunteered many hours of his time in parades and support for local candidates with his horse and carriage. Larry was a committed Christian and a lifetime member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. He also enjoyed attending other churches with Judy and other members of his family over the years. He was a faithful friend and beloved community member. Larry is survived by his wife, Judy, of Carthage; children, Vian Neally of Hamilton, Luan (Rick) Streb of North Liberty, Iowa, Alan (Amber Gottman) Vance of Golden, Illinois, Shelle Welty of California, Scott Rigdon of Willington, North Carolina and Angela (Scott) Boilard of Florida; his daughter-in-law, Tonja Vance of Carthage; grandchildren, Alisha (Clint) Grothaus, Jeni (Robert) Gaffey, Megan (Patrick) Fay, Kayla (Tanner) Marshall, Nate Streb, Quinten (Beth) Smith, Miriah (Jordan) Hatfield, Tyler (Rachel) Bruns, Chauntel (Brandon) Maroon, Alaina (Lane) Marlow, Jalan Vance, Cyle (Courtney) Vance, Colt Vance, Austin (Bekah) Welty, Alyssa Welty, Jade (Matthew) Phillips, Kennedy (Carlton) Homan, Dathan DeGonia, Ezra Rigdon and Sophia Rigdon; and many great and great great grandchildren; one brother, Terry (Cathy) Vance of Salem, Iowa. He is also survived by many bonus children and grandchildren who loved him deeply from Judy's marriage to Harold (Skeets) Snodgrass. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Elaine; a son, Brian; and a brother in infancy. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, August 29, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church 921 N Co Rd 1900, Carthage with burial to follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery Carthage. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with family meeting friends from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. A memorial fund has been established. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.