Vance Owen York

Vance Owen York, 93, went to his heavenly home on Monday, January 15, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was also a respected businessman and Christian.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Reba Ree York, a faithful woman who loves the Lord, her husband, her family, church, and community. He was greeted in heaven by his parents, Owen and Minnie York.

In addition to his wife, Reba, Vance is survived by his three children: James Owen (Karla), Ladera Ranch, CA, Daniel Eugene (Karen), Bluffton, IN, Catherine Marie Weiss (Tony) Durham, NC. He had seven loving grandchildren and ten adorable great grandchildren. His three brothers also survive him: Don (Carolyn), Summerfield, FL, Robert (Judy), Johnston, IA, and Gary (Julie), Wimauma, FL.

Vance was born on a farm near Odon, Daviess County, Indiana on Oct. 12, 1930. He was the oldest of four sons born to Owen Cecil and Minnie Beatrice Bennett York. He married his beloved wife, Reba, on August 19, 1951.

He was a graduate of Switz City High School in 1948. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University from the School of Agriculture in 1952.

His life was filled with purpose to fulfill our Lords plan for him in all his work and worship. His first priority was to raise a Christian family. During the time he provided for his family he pursued Gods plan for him by being a first lieutenant in the US Army 1952-1954. He served in Korea for 9 months. Vance worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred International from 1954 to 1996, serving in many capacities. Most of his career with Pioneer Hi-Bred International was served faithfully in Tipton, IN. In 1989, he and Reba transferred to Des Moines, IA where he remained until his retirement in 1996.

He received many honors from FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H. He was President and Director of many organizations related to the seed industry, FFA, and 4-H.

Vance found so much joy in church and singing. He was a member of chancel choirs since 1954. He served Mt. Vernon UMC (1954-1955), French Lick UMC (1955-1957), Kemp UMC in Tipton, IN (1957-1989), Aldersgate UMC (in West Des Moines, IA) 1990-1996, and Zionsville UMC (1996 –2021). Additionally, he sang in the Des Moines Choral Society, the Des Moines Valley Scottish Rite Chorus, the Indianapolis Valley Scottish Rite Chorus, and was a member of the Double Eagle Quartet.

His love for agriculture sent him to volunteer at Pioneer Village at the Indiana State Fair. He was involved in all aspects at Pioneer Village. He helped run the day to day operations, acted and sang in their mini-musical productions, and was instrumental in setting up the antique tractor exhibit and the lighted tractor parade. He thoroughly enjoyed his 24 years that he participated at Pioneer Village.

Vance and Reba had a love for entertaining friends and family. They especially enjoyed having their family together. Their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were always a delight for them. Jim and Karla’s children: Brentt (grandchild – Isabella), Bryan (grandchildren – Tanner, Avery, Gwen), and Kyle (grandchildren – Emma, Logan, and Wes). Dan and Karen’s children: Chris (grandchildren – Leo and Violet) and Brandon. Cathy and Tony’s children: Ryan and Kalie (grandchild – Brynnly). Vance loved them all!

Vance’s life was a true example of a Christian walking closely with our Lord and sharing his example of how to live well for the kingdom of our Lord. He will be missed by his many friends and family.

We want to thank the Cornerstone Family Community for their loving care for both Vance and Reba, but especially in Vance’s final days and hours. Their love helped all of us be at peace together and see the love of our Lord every step of the way.

Friends and family will gather for visitation on Sunday, January 28 from 2p-4p at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Care, 125 W. Sycamore St., Zionsville, IN 46077. A visitation will also be held at the Zionsville United Methodist Church, 9644 Whitestown Rd., Zionsville, IN, 46077 on Monday, January 29. Visitation will be from 9:30a to 10:45a, with military rites starting at 10:45a, followed by funeral services at 11:00a. Burial will follow and be held at the Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Newberry, IN, State Road 57 at (Greene) County Road 275 S.

The funeral service can be livestreamed by visiting www.zumc.org, scroll down and click on “Live Stream”, on the left side of the page click on “Vance York Service Live Stream”