John Phillip Vance Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we share John Phillip Vance Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 2, 2025, in the early morning hours. Our lives are forever changed. John was born May 7, 1938, to Paul E. and Beulah Goines Vance. He would have been 87 in just a few days.

John met the love of his life and enjoyed 57 years of marriage to wife, Shirley Ann Vance (Grinstead). They had 3 children; Janet Marquardt (Walt) whom he claimed as his own, John Phillip Vance Jr. (Lara), and Christopher Reid Vance (April). He was a proud father and supported us all in different ways.

John was in the band at Manual High School and played the clarinet which he later made his daughter play even though she wanted to play the flute. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Plastics Engineering and was a Cards fan always and loved watching the games. Humbly served as an Airman in the National Guard and was a Coast Guard Reservist for many years. We were taught and tested on the proper ways to drive a boat, how to tie the ‘proper’ knot for the need – because there are many types of knots. He would test our rope tying abilities often. If we did them wrong, we had to sit through hour long lessons to get them ‘just’ right.

He was hired by General Electric where he successfully developed multiple pattens for Plastics Engineering. He later worked at Whirlpool and retired from there to enjoy many years at Green River Marina where he made treasured friends. They would often play card games, especially Tonk and all carried their money in a purple Crown Royal bag like they were holding gold. Our immediate and extended family spent 30 years at Green River and took family vacations for many years prior that to Dale Hollow Lake, Sunset Dock. He also accomplished becoming a pilot and enjoyed taking small trips cross country in WI as well as his love for golfing which he enjoyed with his boys.

John was a quiet man and even laughed quietly. A hard laugh often meant shaking shoulders and tears streaming from his eyes. Laughter is what we will all remember because whenever we were together, laughter ensued.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, Paul Jay Vance, and many other loved family members.

He is survived and loved by his wife and children as well as the apple of his eyes, his beloved grandchildren. He loved them all so very much: Jessica Nichole Marquardt, Rachel Erin Marquardt (Chase), Jacob Christopher Vance (Hadley), Ashley Elizabeth Vance, Tyler Robert Vance, as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

A private service for the immediate family will be held at Louisville Memorial Gardens West.

In lieu of flowers, a Parkinson’s donation to the Michael J Fox Foundation at give.michaeljfox.org can be made.

If you are reading this, we thank you for the mark you had with our husband/dad/grandfather/uncle/friend.