Vance, David LaVerne

David LaVerne Vance, 80, of 2441 Fruitland Blvd. SW, died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009.  

He was born to Vern J. Vance and Julia F. Riggins Vance on Jan. 16, 1929, in Macomb, Ill., 815 West Piper St. He attended Fandon Grade School and was a member of the Fandon, Ill., Christian Church, where his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were charter members. Mr. Vance left school at age 15 to work in a war plant (Hemp and Co. of Macomb). David Vance voluntarily joined the U.S. Navy two days after his 17th birthday. He served on the USS Atlanta and the USS Iowa. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and was honorable discharged Nov. 6, 1947.

He worked on his Uncle Charley John's farm near Elveston, Ill., and later drove a milk float. He retired from Swiss Valley Farms after 36 years of service. He was a proud member of the Teamsters. David was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean Shaffer of Tipton, Iowa, on July 24, 1965. They made their home in southwest Cedar Rapids, first on Bowling Street and later at their present home at 2441 Fruitland Blvd.

 He is survived by his wife, Jean; two sisters, Wanda B. Cannaly of Shannon, Ill., and Nellie Denise Morris of Brookhaven, Miss.; one brother, John K. Vance of Albuquerque, N.M., as well as 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three younger brothers, Clarence S. Vance, Luther A. Vance and Stanley I. Vance.

David was an avid fisherman and a well known Cedar Rapids bowler. His high series of 803 is recorded in the Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Mo.

 His family and friends are grateful to the staff of Milestone, including the lift bus. A special thanks to St. Luke's Hospice and the staff at Heritage Nursing & Rehab for the loving care they gave Vance.

Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel, where visitation will be today from 4 to 6 p.m. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery in Tipton.