Thomas Eugene Vance, 67, a native of Independence, MO, currently of Springfield, MO, died Friday morning, June 1, 2018, at Wilson’s Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Springfield, where he had been a resident a few years.

Tom was born in Independence, March 15, 1951, one of four children born to Frank and Marion Etta Modie Vance.  He grew up in Independence where he attended school.  He traveled across the United States by bicycle or on foot.  He spent his working life as a groomer/walker for race horses in:   Arkansas, Louisiana, and Omaha, Nebraska—where ever there was a horse  track.  A quality that he was known for was being a very neat/clean, very well organized and trust worthy person.  Tom was an animal lover, and to say he was an auto enthusiast was an understatement!

Survivors include a brother James of Sheldahl, Iowa; a sister Frances Potter of Hiawatha; a good friend that shares a birthday with is Thomas Connor, also of Springfield; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister Joyce Keller.

Graveside funeral services are planned for 3 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.  Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl, of Eternal Hope Worship Center, will officiate.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown County Humane Society, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434, who is in charge of arrangements. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com