Joseph "Joe" Glenn Vance, Jr.

JOSEPH “JOE” GLENN VANCE, JR.

Joseph Glenn Vance, Jr, 77 of Centralia passed away February 5, 2025. He was born June 22, 1947, the first child of Joseph Glenn and Stella Virginia (Belcher) Vance. He graduated from Strother School, was a 1965 graduate of Centralia High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Husbandry and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri. He worked as a factory laborer and truck driver while in school. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 to 1971. On July 10, 1976, he married Clara Elizabeth Schafer at St. Joseph’s Church in Martinsburg, MO. They farmed and raised three sons, Jason, David and Brian. Joe started farming full-time in 1974.

He is survived by his wife Clara; three sons Jason of Centralia, David of Hannibal, Brian of Centralia; one brother Rodney (Fran) Vance, Centralia; one sister Alicia (Ben) Biehl, Boonville; sisters and brothers in laws Mary Lou Schafer, Mexico, Ruth (Bob) Schuler, Martinsburg, Kenny (Audrey) Schafer, Martinsburg, George (Debbie) Schafer, Martinsburg, Alvin (Dorothy) Schafer, Martinsburg. Several nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Glenn and Stella Vance and in-laws Joe and Josephine Schafer.

Joe was an active member of Centralia First Christian church serving at various times as Treasurer, Deacon, Elder, Chairman of several committees and Chairman of the Board. He was a charter member of the Centralia Young Farmers and also served on the Audrain County University of Missouri Extension Council. He was proud to be a sixth generation Missouri farmer. Joe was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Centralia, MO. Interment will be in the Centralia City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday, February 10, 2025, at the Oliver Funeral Home in Centralia, MO. Memorial contribution may be made to the Centralia First Christian Church or to the Centralia Avenue of Flags, c/o Oliver Funeral Home, P.O. Box 125, Centralia, MO 65240. Condolences may also be made to the family at www.oliverfuneralhome.net