6-13-2023 11:30am

Benny Vance was a UAW union steward and church elder

Michael McGinnis Editor

Benny Vance (1944-2023)

Elbert Benjamin “Benny” Vance, 78, of South Beloit, IL, was formerly employed by Chrysler in Belvidere, IL, and retired after 35 years. He was elected as the UAW union steward. Benny was an active member of Cornerstone Church of God. He was a Sunday School teacher, men's group leader, youth camp counselor, and elder.

He was called home on Sunday, June 11, 2023 to be with his wife on their 60th anniversary.

Benny was born on July 12, 1944, in Chapmanville, WV, the son of Elbert and Augusta “Gusty” (Farris) Vance. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1961 to 1967. He married Frances Maynard on June 11, 1963 in Tazwell, VA. She predeceased him on February 14, 2020.

Besides serving in his church, Benny was a Scoutmaster and part of the Christian Service Brigade. He was a coach for the Clinton traveling baseball team and the Royal Rangers. Benny enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He had a huge impact on everyone he met and was known for being a “story teller.”

Survivors include his son, Johnny (Patti) Vance of Beloit, WI; grandchildren, Crystal Kreyer of Nebraska, Benjamin Vance of Elkhorn, WI, Jonathan (Karri) Vance of Roscoe, IL, Heather (Dan) Banks of South Beloit, IL, Chelsea (Mike) Johns of Janesville, WI, Austin (Kapria) Vance of Beloit, WI, and Taylor (Sean) McTernan of Nashville, TN; great-grandchildren, Mat, Kelsey, Bella, Emma, Caleb, Vivienne, Zain, Johnny, Evelynn, Beau, Everett (Moe), Elliott, and Kane; brother, Jim (Pat) Vance of Soldiers Grove, WI; niece, Karen (Jim) Eads of Midlothian, VA; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Frances; son, Elbert Jr.; sisters, Gail and Carol; and brother, Tom.

A funeral service for Benny will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023 in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, with Pastor Chris Eldridge officiating. Visitation of Remembrance will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service Thursday in the funeral home. Military rites will be accorded by VFW Post Mead Allen #2306. Inurnment will be held in Turtleville Cemetery in Shopiere, WI at a later date.