Obituary of Weldon Vance

View Video Tribute Longtime Burlington, Colorado resident Weldon Eugene Vance, known to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Pops, died Thursday, October 23, 2008 at Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital in Burlington at the age of 78. Weldon was born on December 30, 1929 in Burr Oak, Kansas to Jacob Vernon (Shorty) Vance and Evelyn Wreath Frank Vance. He was welcomed home by his sister Yvonne (Hartman) and 7 years later joined by his brother Dennis. Weldon attended elementary school in Oakley and Goodland, Kansas, moving to Burlington in 1943. During high school he was an avid athlete playing football and basketball on championship teams and setting a league record in pole vault. While in high school Weldon met the love of his life, Donna Colleen Ormsbee. After service in the Navy and work in Denver, he returned to Burlington where he and Donna decided to spend their life together. They were united in marriage on October 12, 1950 in Raton, New Mexico. To this union two children, Robbie and Mike, were born. Their family life was an active one. Weldon always found time to play catch, help with homework, and attend every sporting event, play, and concert in which his children and grandchildren participated. No matter what he was always there, encouraging and teaching and laughing. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a sense of integrity, hard work, pride in community and love of family. Weldon loved to work and took great care in everything he did. A lifetime master carpenter and craftsman, his cabinet construction and finish work were precise and second to none. He lovingly built their home on Cherry Street, as well as worked on many homes and businesses around the area. When he was the facilities director for Burlington Schools he was adamant that the grounds and buildings were well kept and clean, a positive reflection on the school and the community. After retirement he continued to work helping his son Mike farm and lending his expertise to anyone with a remodeling project. Weldon’s work extended to his community, as he believed in giving back. He served two terms on the city council, was a longtime member of Lions Club, and one of the best sports fans Burlington High has ever had. Although Weldon loved to work, he also loved to play. As an adult he played softball and town-team basketball and was on a bowling team for many years. He would always find time to enjoy a good cup of coffee and a good conversation. Proceeding Weldon in death was his wife Donna in July of 2007, his parents Shorty and Wreath, great-granddaughter Sarah Morgan Vance, and nephew Troy Lynn Vance. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Robbie Fearon and husband Dave and his son Mike Vance and wife Sharon all of Burlington; three grandchildren Kacy Little Owl, her husband Solomon and their children Uriah Jakob and Mya Lynne of Greeley, CO, Annie Humrich, her husband Chris and their son Rowdy Cru of Burlington, and Griff Vance of Greeley, CO. Also surviving Weldon are his sister Yvonne Hartman of Burlington, brother Dennis and wife Dianne of Burlington, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Graveside services for Mr. Vance were held on Monday, October 27, 2008 at 2:00 PM in the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington with Reverend Tom Peacock officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Love Funeral Home in Burlington. A memorial for the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital has been established at the Bank of Burlington in Weldon’s name.