Don Ray Vance

Don Vance, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, passed away on September 6, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, just two days after celebrating his 84th birthday.

Don was born September 4, 1942, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to William “Jack” Vance and Minnie (Winn) Vance.

Don lived a colorful and adventurous life, and his family will always remember his love of country music and singing and, most of all, his incredible ability to tell a story. He had a way of bringing his experiences to life and making the people around him feel as though they were right there with him. His love of writing country songs and his many stories captured the adventures and experiences that made his life so unique.

Don was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Carmen Vance Spink; his parents, Jack and Minnie Vance; his sisters, Katy Vance, Maxine Vance, Wanda Wilbur and Mae Pulley; his brothers, Jack Vance and Joe Vance; and his nephew, Doug Brown.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Hatch, and son-in-law, Perry Hatch; his son, Patrick Vance, and daughter-in-law, Diane Vance; his son, Travis Vance; and his son-in-law, Paul Spink. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Sara Vance, Rachel Vance, Hannah Hatch, and Sophia Hatch, and his great-grandchildren, Caleb Vance, Cherish Flanagan, Samuel Flanagan, Alexandria Flanagan, and Hendrix Hatch. 

Don will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. His adventurous spirit, love of music and writing, and the countless stories he shared will live on through the generations who loved him. His life may have been colorful, but it was the stories he left behind that will keep him close to the hearts of his family forever.

Graveside services will be held at Salt Creek Cemetery in the Wilson Community