Duane Vance, of Niles

Published 8:45 am Tuesday, March 24, 2020

May 11, 1952 — March 19, 2020

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, on May 11, 1952, to Gerald and Beverly (Clay) Thomas. He was one of 11 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; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his mother, Beverly Thomas; brothers, Danny (Melinda) Vance, of Niles, Gary (Elaine) Thoma, 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.

Unfortunately, due to public health concerns, all services will be held to immediate family only. Funeral services will be at noon on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, 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.

Memories, condolences, and photos may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.