Rev. Jack Vance, a longtime resident of the Wilson Community died June 30, 2020 at his home at the age of 80. He was born May 1, 1940 to William Jack and Minnie Vance.
Bro. Jack surrendered to God while living in Las Vegas. He hadn't surrendered to the call of the ministry just yet. However, he did a lot of fill in work for the church in Las Vegas but didn't consider it the preaching ministry. After coming home to the Wilson Community he surrendered to the call to preach and was ordained by the Wilson Baptist Church. His first pastorate was at Skyview Baptist Church in Okemah, and later Hoffman. After Hoffman, he took pastorate of Dewar First Baptist Church. While there the congregation multiplied and grew and a larger facility was immediately planned. The new Dewar First Baptist Church was moved to the west side of Dewar accessible from Highway 266. During his time at Dewar First, the new gymnasium and fellowship center was built as well as the beautiful Youth Center. After retiring as pastor from Dewar First Baptist , he served as interim pastor at Lamar Baptist Church. Because of the distance he resigned from Lamar Baptist and became pastor at Wilson Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie Vance, 3 sisters, Mae Pulley, Maxine Vance, and Katy Vance. Also by a brother Bobby Joe Vance.
He is survived by his wife Donna of the home; four children: Lori Mulliniks and husband Joe of Wilson, Lynn Sparks and husband Gary of Ft. Gibson, Brian Vance of the home and Billy Jack Vance and wife Mandy of Wilson; 11 ; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Don Vance; sister Wanda Wilbur; sisters in law: Glenda Vance of Wilson, Teresa Snow of Pampa, Texas, Valorie Kennedy of Wilson;
brothers in law, Don Pulley of Kelleyville; and Mike Kennedy & wife Anne of Perry; also by a host of nieces, nephews, friends and church family.
Pallbearers will be Travis Mulliniks, Dusty Mulliniks, Brian David Vance, A. J. Welch, Nathan Whitlock, Jacob Wise, Coby Carpenter, Curtis Hancock & Levi Lively.
Honorary pallbearers will be ministers who answered their call under Bro. Jack's ministry. Donald Baker, pastor Last Chance First Baptist Church; Aarron Burwell Youth/Associate Mulberry Springs Baptist Church Hallsville, Texas; Dakota Cantrell, surrendered to musical evangelism; Ethan Dover former pastor of Hoffman First Baptist Church; Josh Howk, youth pastor of Wetumka First Assembly of God; Nick Howk, Student pastor of Community Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas; Tracey Howk, student pastor; Justin Wells, worship pastor at Crossroads Baptist Church, Beggs, Ok.; Ryan Wells, pastor of Dewar Baptist Church; and Brett Wheeler pastor of Crosspoint Baptist in Coweta.
Viewing for Bro. Jack will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, & 8a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday with family present to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2020 at Wilson School Gymnasium with Rev. Clint Sinclair and Rev. Ledtkey McIntosh officiating. Interment will follow at Salt Creek Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.
Due to Covid-19 social distancing will be limited due to space restrictions of the facility. It is recommended that those who feel comfortable with wearing a mask should do so.