Gary Vance

Gary Wayne Vance, 81, of Faith passed away December 29, 2024 in Rapid City.

Gary lived a life full of dedication to his family, friends, his business, and his customers. He loved the western South Dakota plains and the families who also call it home.

Gary was born June 20, 1943, in Dupree to Lawrence and Lorene Vance. His family moved to Mobridge and he graduated from Mobridge High School in 1962. After graduation he began working with Nels Babcock and his father on the ranch in Ft. Yates, ND. He also worked for the railroad in Mobridge.

He was drafted and served in the Army from April 1965 to March of 1967. He had his bags packed on three separate occasions for Vietnam and fortunately was never deployed. Gary was a member of a military burial guard and while in service earned multiple distinctions.

Once honorably discharged he met Nancy K. Lawlar and they were married on January 20, 1968 in Watford City, ND and honeymooned in Yellowstone National Park. Together they raised their family in Faith. Scott, Brad and LeAnn were taught many life lessons and one of the most important is that work ethic is key. His legacy of kindness, work ethic, integrity, honesty and treating people with respect will continue with all the people that he touched.

Gary became involved in the Faith community through his father and business partner Nels Babcock, who owned Faith Livestock Commission Company. Gary worked for them and eventually was able to purchase Nels’ shares in the business to become a partner. After Lawrence’s passing, Gary became the owner and operated the business for many years. Later Scott Vance became a partner in the business until Faith Livestock Auction was sold to Dace Harper and Mason Dietterle in 2017.

Gary took great care of both buyers, sellers, and employees. He always talked about the quality of people that worked with him, and he worked for. He remodeled the sale barn and added the ring scale to weigh livestock live as they sold. Gary strived to provide a place and market for all to discover true value.

Gary owned and managed the Flintrock Ranch for many years. Gary also enjoyed a good horse and through his relationship with Darrel Griffith and his family helped many young men and women through the years at the high school rodeos with the cutting horses.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Nancy; his parents; sisters Elsie Ann Vance, Darlene Hanson and Cheryl Bieber; and brothers-in-law, Keith Lawlar and Burnell Hansen.

He is survived by two sons, Scott (Toni) and Brad (Calie); daughter LeAnn Vance; a special lady, Judy Hintz; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation and a tribute to Gary was at Faith Livestock Auction on January 2. A celebration of life was held at the Faith Community Center on January 3 with burial and reception following.

Memorials have been designated for the Faith Ambulance, Faith Methodist Church, Faith Area Community Foundation, and the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association.

Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.