Douglas Vance Obituary (1929 - 2022)

Douglas Smith Vance age 93 returned to his Father in Heaven and reunited with his beloved wife, Marci, whom he has missed very much since her passing in 2005. Douglas was born on January 2, 1929 to William Harrison Smith and Lucille Adeline (Martin) Smith in Fresno California. He was the oldest of five children. His parents later divorced. He and his two sisters stayed with his father and his two brothers went with his mother. When Doug was 15, they moved to Douglas Arizona and once again starting in a new school. Not long after they moved there his dad was ready to pack up and move again. Doug told his father he wasn’t going to move and that he wanted to stay and finish school so his dad gave him $25 and told him that he would not be able to provide any more support. Doug worked part time and no place to live. After residing with three different caring families for a short period of time, Doug became acquainted with Norman Vance. Doug shared his situation with him and he invited him over for dinner. After the meal Norman’s mother, Hazel Vance asked him if he would like to come and live with their family. Later John and Hazel Vance contacted his father and asked for legal custody. Permission was granted and his name was changed to Douglas Smith Vance. After he graduated from Douglas High he headed for Tempe, where he went to Arizona State College. While at college he met his sweetheart Marcella Smith in October 1950. They were later married June 3, 1951 in Phoenix Az. He continued his education and in 1964 he received his Master Degree in Elementary Education and Administration. In 1971 he received his Doctor of Education at Arizona State University. He served in various educational positions all the way from classroom teacher, elementary school principal, director of elementary education and assistant superintendent elementary education. He served in the United States Army from September 1954 to September 1956, 9th Infantry Division, 60th Infantry Regiment. He served in various community activities; Mesa and Phoenix YMCA board of director. He was on the City of Mesa zoning commission and fund raisers. He was an artist, loved bird watching, fishing, working outdoors in the yard and traveling around with his beloved wife. At age 90 he was baptized May 4, 2019 in to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On September 10, 2020 he was sealed to his eternal companion for all time and eternity in the Cedar City Temple. He is survived by his son, DJ (Nancy) Vance, 17 grandchildren, 67 great-Grandchildren and 1 gg grandchild. His brother Larry (Marilyn) Charles, Oregon, and sister Audre Trull, Oregon He is preceded in death by his wife Marcella Lorraine, his brother Bruce Anthony, and sister Rhona Epperson. No services will be held.