Thomas Leonard Vance passed away into the arms of his Savior September 19, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M., Wednesday, September 22, 2021 in the chapel of Kilpatrick Funeral Home ~ West Monroe with Brother Cecil Herrington officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens. The family will receive condolences thirty minutes prior to the service and requests that those in attendance wear masks.
Thomas is preceded in death by his sisters, Emma Jean Sims and Dorothy Mosely; sisters-in-law, Frances Thornton White and Jackie Thornton White; brothers-in-law, J.R. Cubage, Richard Thornton, Kenneth Thornton, and Marion Thornton.
Thomas is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Ruby Thornton Vance; son, Scott Vance (Wendy) and grandchildren, Alexa, Bailey, Christian, Moriah, Lily, and Jordan; son, Brett Vance (Deborah) and grandchildren Justin (Katie), Jarrod (Angela), and Jonah; great-grandchildren, Everett and Emilia; son, Lane Vance (Cindy) and grandchildren, Holton, Aubrey, and Caroline; brother-in-law, Bobby Thornton (Joyce); sister-in-law, Peggy Thornton; numerous nieces and nephews and other cherished family and friends.
Thomas was born September 30, 1936, in New Edinburg, Arkansas to the late Thomas Aubrey and Johnnie Mae Offutt Vance. After serving in the U.S. Army, he moved to West Monroe, Louisiana in 1959 and partnered with his brother-in-law, C.V. Sims forming Sims and Vance Refrigeration and serving the Twin Cities for over twenty-five years. After C.V’s retirement, Thomas formed Vance Service Company where he continued his dedicated service to the community until his retirement in 2015.
Thomas was a man of deep faith and faithfully served his church, West Heights Baptist Church in West Monroe, for over sixty years. He served as an Adult Sunday School teacher for the past sixty years, deacon for the past fifty years, treasurer, song leader, and was a faithful giver. He was characterized by the sacrificial giving of his time and talents.
Deer hunting and bass fishing were Thomas’s favorite pastimes. He eagerly anticipated the opening week of deer season each year. He knew his sons, grandsons, and longtime friend Jimmy Holton would surround him for a cherished time of food, fellowship, and chasing whitetails at the family cabin in Arkansas. His additional hobbies included woodturning, pen making, taxidermy, gardening, and watching Texas Rangers baseball.
Thomas leaves behind a legacy of enduring faith and a hearty work ethic for the generations to come. His favorite verse is from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, “Not that I speak of want, for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”Thomas lived out his favorite verse to the fullest.
His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Holton, Ted Johnson, David Ashcraft, and James McIntyre.
The family wishes to extend their grateful appreciation to Dr. Samer Roy, who has been a caring and attentive provider for many years, as well as to his special niece, Debra Acklen, who has lovingly assisted with his care.