Wondel Keith Vance (May 8, 1935 – Oct. 18, 2024) - Suffering in the ultimate comfort, our adored Poppy was welcomed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on October 18, 2024 and greeted by the love of his life, Brenda, who patiently awaited his arrival since her passing in 2013. Also there to greet him were his parents Orville and Essie Vance; brothers Bill, Donald, and Kenneth; and sisters, Lillian, Mary Elizabeth, and Shirley; as well as a stampede of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and many enemies. He outlived everyone just for spite. Born at home in Frazier’s Bottom, WV, Wondel was a redheaded troublemaker from the beginning. Nicknamed "Mac" by his friends and family as a youngin' (after a particularly persistent truancy officer who was always on his tail), he had a penchant for mischief. From pouring concrete, hanging garage doors, and roofing, to heading the maintenance team at Barboursville Middle School, he never really liked working, often taking off weeks at a time for hunting season. After retiring from the Cabell County Board of Education, Poppy spent his days driving his grandkids around on his four-wheeler, rooting for WVU football, and growing enough zucchini for the whole holler. With his grandkids crowded around at his feet, he'd tell tall tales of his friends Billy HoeHandle and Bob AxleGrease, and some truer ones of his times stealing chickens from neighbors with his best friend Bobby Gibson, or pickin’ and grinnin’ with his friends and brothers. Whether it was teaching us to call a turkey, build a ground blind, bake a pan of cornbread, tie a fly, play guitar, or fix an engine, Poppy was our ever resourceful and talented mentor. Often rigging elaborate contraptions for life's inconveniences, we all have him to thank for our lessons in Poppy Engineering. And if it doesn’t work, throw it off the sundeck! Left behind to enjoy his stockpile of deer meat are his son and hunting partner Jodie Vance of Scott Depot, his daughter and fishing buddy Deana Conn (and her husband David, whom he loved like a son) of Barboursville, and his step sons Rocky and Scott Estep and their families, of Mason and Ripley. More precious to him than anything, he also leaves behind his grandkids: Audrey, Cassidy, Samuel, Lukas, Jordan, Jillian, and Parker. In keeping with his wishes, there will be a private graveside service for his family, with Reverend Greg Creasy, officiating. Please, no flowers or gifts. He would have hated that. The family thanks the partners, friends, and family who have helped us to endure the loss of our beloved patriarch. In Heaven, Poppy, please don’t burn the gravy. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
