Jeffery DeWayne Vance

Jeffery D. Vance, age 70, of Iola, Kansas, passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 9, 2026.

Jeffery was born to DeWayne and Catherine (Beetham) Vance on January 29, 1956, in Coffeyville, Kansas. He was raised in Labette County, specifically in Altamont, where he attended school and graduated from high school in 1974. Jeffery was proud of his basketball career and, according to him, he was "the star basketball player." He played center and received a scholarship to continue playing basketball at Coffeyville Community College following high school. Jeffery continued his education at Coffeyville Community College and later earned his master's degree in General Science from Allen County.

Throughout his working years, Jeffery built a varied career that eventually led him to the profession he would retire from, truck driving. He began working at Klein Tools, where he would work for the next 26 years in Moran, Kansas. Following the closure of Klein Tools, he worked for three years at Chanute Manufacturing before beginning his career as a truck driver.

Jeffery loved truck driving because it gave him the opportunity to "see the world." He enjoyed the scenery and the places his work allowed him to visit, with a goal of seeing all 50 states. There was one place he was not particularly excited about driving through, however, New York, especially when navigating the area in a big truck.

On May 14, 1983, Jeffery married Holly Thomas in Iola, Kansas. Their marriage was blessed with five daughters and one son. Together, they raised their family in Allen County, first making their home in Gas before moving to Iola in October of 1999.

Family was at the heart of Jeffery's life. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them. His grandchildren lovingly called him "Papa," although every now and then he was also known as "Grandma Jeff," an inside family joke that brought plenty of laughter.

Jeffery enjoyed the outdoors and could often be found doing the things he loved most. He enjoyed bass fishing and hunting, especially quail and pheasant, along with some deer hunting. He also found great joy in coaching his children in softball. Being involved in their games and helping them learn and enjoy the sport was especially important to him, giving him another way to spend time with the people who meant the most to him.

Jeffery also had a special love for his black Trans Ams. He owned two throughout his life, and next to his family, those cars held a very special place in his heart.

He is preceded by his parents DeWayne and Catherine; his younger sister Janet Marlow; grandson Brayden Berthot; and nephew Shane Marlow

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Holly Vance; his six children Rachel Coy, Lacy and husband Randy Seely, Khrista and husband Kody Daum, Janelle Vance, Jacie and husband Matthew Thyer, and Trey Vance; Grandchildren, Logan, Gracie, and Morgan Dillow, Kinsley Vance, Kimbree Daum, Nevaeh Barton, Dylan Strunk, Trenton and Brentley Thyer; and Nephew Jordan Marlow.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.