Daniel Vance

Daniel A. Vance (Dan) of Abilene died Sunday morning, September 14, 2025 after a brief illness. Born on Christmas Day, 1944 in Borger, Texas, Dan was 80 years old. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

Dan enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 and was a very proud veteran. He was consistently chosen to attend advanced training. He was deployed or at sea for more than three of his 11 years of service. He served aboard aircraft carriers, including the USS Shangri-La. He spent much of his time with the 13th and 21st squadrons. He received the National Defense Service Medal. After leaving the military, he got into iron working and welding, eventually owning his own business in Lubbock. Always great with numbers and good at school, he completed his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at McMurray University in his 50s. He then worked for a nonprofit, DFAS, and the FDIC before retiring.

Dan was an avid fan of multiple sports, with football being his favorite. He loved America's team, the Dallas Cowboys. He had strong opinions about many things and was known for expressing them. He never shied away from a good verbal joust. In the final weeks of his life, he gave a 19 year-old driving lessons and worked to prepare his brother's home for his return after a broken hip. Dan always made extraordinary efforts to take care of and to spend time with his loved ones.

Daniel Alexander Vance is preceded in death by his parents Harvey Clarence Vance and Margaret Elizabeth Parker. He is also preceded in death by his beloved son, Daniel (Danny) A. Vance II in 2009. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Klopfer (Shane);and his five grandchildren Paul Klopfer (Ariele), Michael Klopfer, David Klopfer (Gabby), Alexis Vance Phillips (Rayburn), Taylor Vance, and his former wife and mother of his children, Gail Harrington. He was totally in love with his four great grandchildren Bennett, Behr, Lily, and Josie. Finally, Dan is survived by his oldest friends and siblings, Carlton S. Vance and Elizabeth Faye Hawthorne (Jody) and his nephew Mark Vance (Angel.)

Visitation will be 12:30-2 pm Friday, September 19 at Elmwood Funeral Home, followed by a 2 PM service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans or Young Life of Norman, Oklahoma.

Ever the sailor and having seen a lot of life, Dan's tagline on his email was "God, your sea is so great and my boat is so small." In prayer, he would add "Help me to find safe waters!" Fair skies and following seas.