Allen L. Vance

Allen L. Vance, 87, of Goshen, died Tuesday morning, June 10, 2008, at The Maples where he had been the past 16 months. He was born in Millersburg on September 20, 1920, to Noble and Freda (Sheley) Vance.  He married Neva I. Hoke, on September 29, 1940 in Goshen.  She died January 20, 2008. Mr. Vance, a lifelong resident of the area, worked for Miles Laboratory for 31 years as a carpenter.  He retired in 1982.  He also died maintenance work at Goshen City Church of the Brethren, where he was a member, for 23 years.  He was a member of the Quarter Century Club at Miles. Mr. Vance built 15 homes, two of his own and four of them for his children.  He did all kinds of woodworking, including jewelry boxes, model cars and trains; baby beds and cradles; rocking horses, clocks and furniture. He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Bowman and Debra (Paul) Jones, both of Goshen; three sons, Jeffrey (Gail) Vance of Elkhart, Michael (Sandy) Vance of New Paris and Timothy (Pat) Vance of South Bend; daughter-in-law, Susan Vance of Goshen; 23 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren;  and three sisters, Beulah Roose of Goshen, Maxine (Roy) Archer of Milford, and Helen (Ray) Hill of White Pigeon, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Neva; a son, Patrick Vance of April 12, 2007; two grandsons, Robert and Jeffrey Vance; a great-granddaughter, Peyton Bowman; and two brothers, Willard and Everett Vance. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, June 15, at the funeral home. A 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 16, 2008, funeral service will be conducted at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Pastor Yvonne Riege and Licensed Minister Tim Yoder, both of Goshen City Church of the Brethren, will officiate. Burial will be in West Goshen Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Goshen City Church of the Brethren or Alzheimer’s Association.