GyBill
01-22-2009, 10:01 PM
Col. Johnnie Vance USMC (Ret.), 87, a Marine Corps fighter pilot whose distinguished service continued after his retirement from the Marines as a leader in the communities of South Orange County, CA, died early Saturday morning, January 18 at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center of congestive heart failure. Col. Vance was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, our nation's second highest award for valor, along with the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with V for Valor and the Purple Heart for his service in three wars. His feats as a combat pilot in the campaigns in the Pacific, Korea and Vietnam are celebrated by those who flew with him, as was his remarkable leadership as squadron commander, air wing commander and in his ultimate appointment as Executive Officer, Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, from which he retired in 1974. Born in 1921 in Arkansas, Johnnie Vance developed his passion for flying at an early age. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 in the NAVCAD program, earning his wings as a Naval Aviator and commissioned as 2nd Lt. in the Marine Corps in 1943. He graduated from the Armed Forces War College in 1964. Johnnie Vance was married to Patricia "Skip" Geyer, of Racine Wisconsin for 65 years. They were married in 1943 at the Laguna Beach, Ca, just prior to his deployment to the Pacific at the beginning of World War II. They have been residents of Mission Viejo since the late 1960's. He was an untiring optimist who contributed his wry sense of humor and leadership to the community following retirement. He was active in and past-President of the Exchange Club in San Clemente, CA. He helped develop and later co-managed Meals-on-Wheels in South Orange County for three decades. Col. Vance made a remarkable contribution in the development and expansion of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center as well. Col. Vance was involved in the development of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center when it became the community health care center serving Saddleback Valley. He served on its Board of Directors and as Chairman over his many years on the board and was appointed Chairman in 1998 of its then parent organization's Board of Directors, Memorial Health Services, Long Beach. He served on the Saddleback Memorial Foundation and Medical Center Boards until his passing. Among many awards and service recognitions earned since his retirement was special recognition by the United States Congress for the many contributions made by Johnnie and Skip Vance to the region. He was also active at St. Kilian's Catholic Church where he had served as Eucharistic Lay Minister, usher and a leader in the parish. Two of the stained glass windows in the church were designed, built and installed by him as a gift to the congregation. Col. Vance is survived by his wife, Patricia Vance; his son, Michael Vance of Virginia Beach, VA, and daughter, Kathie Kelly of Mission Viejo, CA. His third daughter Patricia died in 1973. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Julie Walsh, Kristie De La Flor, Damon Partridge, Laura Lympus, Christopher Vance and Justin Vance, and his great grandchildren Benjamin Vance, Timothy Sieczkowski, Patricia Walsh, Zackery Pannell and Theoden Lympus. Services will be held Saturday, January 24th at 11:30am at St. Kilian's Catholic Church in Mission Viejo. A reception will follow at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center at 1:00pm. The family has asked that contributions be made either to the Saddleback Memorial Foundation, to St. Kilian's Catholic Church, or to Paralyzed Veterans of America in lieu of flowers. Johnnie's life was one of service, contribution, compassion, humor and quiet optimism. He was admired by all who knew him, and adored by his family. All who knew him were inspired and blessed to have had him in their lives.