In Memory Of

Thomas DeWitt Vance

12/4/1953 - 12/25/2016

Details

Service Date

12/31/2016

Service Time

10:00 AM

Service Location

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2424 N. Old Gilbert Rd., Mesa, Arizona

location_on Service Location

About Thomas DeWitt Vance

Thomas DeWitt Vance, 63, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2016 in his Mesa, AZ home. He is preceded in death by his father, Marion Isaac, his mother, Elizabeth Adelaide, his sisters Susan and Emily, his brother Kenny, and his son Russell. Tom was born to Marion and “Betty” Vance on December 4, 1953, in Mesa, AZ. Left to carry on his legacy of love and hard work are; Cheryl, his loving wife, his children Stacey, Stephanie (Lance), Evan (Marisol), Michael (Emily), Troy (Kristin), Jason (Jessie), Matthew (Jana), Sarah (Cory), and his 25 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings David (Lynn), Cathy (Terry), Janie (Jerry), Mike (Debbie), Richard (Barb) and Carolyn. Tom enjoyed spending time with his family, making people laugh, serving others, traveling, and working on projects. As a man of great faith, he served many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; as well as a 2 year mission in Japan. He dedicated 33 years of hard work to Salt River Project as an Electrical Meter Man. In his final years, he became a great source of inspiration for his family and friends. After his diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme, he continued to find joy in life and was very optimistic in all of his trials. Always one with a smile, he was best known for his kind and gentle nature. Tom gave the best hugs and was a strong example of faith and hard work. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:00am, preceded by a visitation at 9:00am at the LDS church located at 2424 N. Old Gilbert Rd. Mesa, AZ 85213.

Honoring Your Loved Ones

Condolences

23 comments

Dana Yeager

ago

Tom was a friend to me many years ago when I joined the Church. I got to know him again when I got a job at SRP. Always smiling and always happy. Tom was a great guy. He will be missed by all his SRP family, and me.

Tina cox

ago

Cheryl , I am amazed at your strength and sweet spirit. Thank goodness that we know we will be together again. May you find peace and comfort during this time : love Tina Schulz Cox

Linda Snoke Fisher and Jack Fisher

ago

Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers. I know there have always miles between us, but we are family. May Tom rest in peace. Love to you all.

Freddy/Beverly

ago

Our prayers are with you and your fam

Sandra Bauer

ago

Dear Cheryl and family, I always enjoyed reading yours posts. Your family was one to be admired. The love you all had for one another always showed brightly in every post. May the happy memories you shared sustain you all as you continue on life’s journey without your beloved husband and father who I know will always hold a special place in all of your hearts

Mark & Debbie Allen

ago

Tom was an amazing man. Our heart goes out to the Cheryl and the Vance family. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love Mark & Debbie Allen

Mr.an Mrs Thomas Marsh

ago

So sorry Cheryl my heart sheds through my eyes.I send my condolences for you an your family prayers@Revelations 21:3,4.

Sean Merrill

ago

My uncle Tom was a selfless man. There were so many times he came and helped my family on a moments notice. He was a loving brother to my mom and a great example to me and my brother. He is a man who not just endured but endured life well. I look forward to meeting my uncle again and thanking him for the example he set for those around him.

Marisa Kobar

ago

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was such a pleasure knowing Tom. He had such a gentle heart and always made me laugh. I sure loved his smile. May peace be with you Cheryl and family.

Kevin and Norma Horne

ago

Sweet Cheryl, Our prayers are with you! We have a love for Tom and have been blessed to know him and you. We pray for the peace of our Savior to be with you at this special but trying time. We know you will see him again at a blessed day in the future. Love to you, Kevin and Norma

Jeannie Gallagher Kieselburg

ago

May Love and Great Faith comfort you all during this time….And Sweet Memories always be there to light your way. Much love to you all. ❤

Terry and Cindy Boddy

ago

Dear Cheryl, You and Tom have set an example of good cheer and courage in the face of fearful circumstances. You have blessed many people in many ways that you may never know. We are grateful to have known Tom and will pray for your spiritual comfort.

Dennis Osborn

ago

Dear Cheryl, what a courageous wife and friend you have been to Tom. I am so bereaved of your loss. Please know in my heart you will always be admired. So sorry for your loss and I wish you all the best in life. Love and power of life be with you always!

Lois Parrish

ago

My deepest sympathy. Your example of grace during hardship is inspiring. God bless you with peace and precious memories.

Terry Whiting Schnepf

ago

My thoughts and prayers are with you Cheryl and your family! How grateful we are for eternal families! May the Lord bless you with comfort and peace.

Lisa Randall

ago

Sending our love and deepest sympathy to you, Cheryl and family. We have all been touched by your journey with Tom over these passed few years and have been inspired to love more deeply and look for the blessings each and every day. May you find the peace and comfort you need through sweet memories of a life well lived and may your knowledge of the gospel buoy you up at this most difficult time. Love and hugs.

Stacey Evans

ago

Dear Cheryl and family, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your soulmate, Father, Brother, Uncle, and Grandfather. I’ve known Cheryl since my 24 year old son had her for first grade. I’ve always admired her sweet, loving, glowing personality! I wasn’t fortunate enough to meet Tom, but it sounds like they were the perfect match! I loved reading about their love for each other and the way they fought hard to win this battle! May God bless you and keep you in his loving arms!

Barbara Nielsen

ago

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find peace and comfort in your testimony of the Savior and that you will be reunited once again. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family.

Linda Smock

ago

What a beautiful service today for Tom. I enjoyed it so much. My prayers and thoughts will continue for you and your family throughout this year. Tom was a sweet, kind person who was a rock for all of his family, and friends. He was a very special soul. I am sure Tom will continue to support and love everyone as he ascends to his Father in Heaven and becomes the protector through the veil. I have felt blessed and deeply grateful to have met you, Cheryl and Tom in this lifetime. May the light of the Lord continue to be with you as you continue your life here on earth and prayers for Tom in his new life in Heaven.

Stephen DeWitt Taylor

ago

Margaret and I (Tom’s cousin) offer condolences to Cheryl and the extended Vance family. Though we did not see Tom often over the years, we remember him as a cheerful, upbeat person devoted to his loved ones, his church and his community.

Larry Barnes

ago

Tom, sad to hear you left us so young. Thanks for being a friend growing up in Tempe; I really enjoyed those Sunday visit to your home there. I look forward to seeing you again. To your family I send prayers of peace and comfort. Knowing what it’s like to battle cancer I’m grateful he isn’t suffering anymore. He is now renewing family relations with his sibling and parents who have gone before him. Until we meet again. Larry B.

Paulette and Steve Christensen

ago

It was an honor to know Tom. Both he and you, Cheryl, are an inspiration to us wirh your love and service for each other and those around you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Nadia

ago

To the Vance family, I’m very sorry for your loss. I wanted to offer you some comfort that I’ve found in the Bible. In John 11:25 Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” It’s my hope that you can draw comfort and strength from this promise that we can see the loved ones we have lost again. (Revelation 21:3,4)