Obituary of Duane Allen Vance

Unfortunately, due to recent public health concerns, the services for Duane will be limited to immediate family only. Duane Vance, 67, of Niles, passed away at MediLodge Nursing Home in Portage, Michigan, on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Duane was born in South Bend, Indiana, on May 11, 1952, to Gerald and Beverly (Clay) Thomas. He was one of eleven kids. Duane proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the Army. He was a trucker for many years. Duane loved riding on his motorcycle. He enjoyed fishing and mushroom hunting, as well as spending time with his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Thomas; brothers, Jimmy Vance and Greg Taborn; sisters, Daisy Vance and Theresa Parker; and niece, Carla Thomas. Duane will be remembered by his wife, Theresa Vance; children, Sonya (Al) Listenberger of Niles, and Angela (Joel Renner) Vance of Niles; sixteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his mother, Beverly Thomas; brothers, Danny (Melinda) Vance of Niles, Gary (Elaine) Thomas of Mississippi, David (Peggy) Vance of Louisiana, and Michael Vance and his wife of Louisiana; sisters, Karen (John) Thompson of Galien, and Tammy (Dave) Frucci of Niles; step-children, John (Lisa) Gipson of Niles, Shawnice Gipson of Niles, and Thomas (Dana) Gipson of Niles; and many extended family members and close friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home. A committal will follow the service on Wednesday at Mission Hills Memorial Garden. Memorial contributions in Duane’s honor may be made to the Marine Riders Michiana at 2300 Middleburry St., Elkhart, Indiana 46516. Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.