Robert Eugene Vance, Jr.

Robert Eugene "Bob" Vance, Jr. was born November 6, 1934 in Erick, Oklahoma to Marie Meador and Robert Eugene Vance, Sr. He passed away, Thursday, May 27, 2010 in Henryetta at the age of 75. He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Angline Andrews and Clara Lou baker. Bob was an honor student graduate from El Reno High School, class of 1952. He attended Boys State and was an OK All Star in football and played in the Oil Bowl. Bob went to the University of Florida one year and came back to Oklahoma to finish college and play football. He attended Cameron University and University of Central Oklahoma graduating with a degree in Math and Teaching in 1956. he later returned to UCO and attained his Masters degree in Mathematics in 1966. After college Bob taught and coached in Duncan, Oklahoma for one year, then joined the Army. He served for two years and was an SP4, using his math skills as a mathematics statistician at NORAD, developing USA Army Air Defense Systems. With his military duty completed he returned to Duncan to teach and coach where he met his future wife who was also a fellow teacher. Leah Kaye Higbie consented to become his wife December 21, 1959 and together raised their 3 sons during a marriage lasting more than 50 years. Bob also had teaching-coaching jobs in Seminole, Moore, and Norman High Schools. He left teaching to become a Real Estate Broker and home builder. The family moved to Henryetta in 1976 to help Henryetta Developers build Stubbs Estates. Bob was a member of Henryetta's First United Methodist Church where he served as Administrative Board Chairman, Sunday School and Small Prayer Group Leader as well as a Lay Speaker. Bob was an Ambassador for the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce and won Outstanding Ambassador several times. Bob helped out his community by coaching little league football for six years. Served as Webelos leader and Scout Master. He took the troop to World Jamboree in Canada and helped six young men attain the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a member of the Henryetta Rotary Club, the Masons, and Oklahoma Coaches Association. Bob was a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan and loved all aspects of the sport for any age. He ran the clock at the State High School Basketball games over 25 years. He was an avid golfer, loved to fish and was hoping to do more this summer. He loved attending the grandchildren's games and followed their teams all over the state. Bob was a devoted husband, father, and Christian, an honest businessman, and a friend to many. He will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Henryetta, Golden Age Senior Citizens Organization, or the Alzheimer's Association in Tulsa. Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leah Kaye Higbie Vance of the home Three sons, 2 daughters-in-law, and 5 grandchildren. These include, David Vance and his son Aubrey Davis Vance of Tahlequah, Oklahoma Steve Vance and wife Shannon, their daughters, Joley and Meg Vance of Henryetta, Oklahoma Bryan Vance and wife Denise, their children Chase and Bailey Vance of Talala, Oklahoma One sister, Lee Crabb and husband Dale of Enid, Oklahoma Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Russ and Sharron Higbie of Edmond, Oklahoma Also a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Henryetta with Rev. Dale Durnell, officiating. Interment will follow in Westlawn Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.