J. Frank Vance

John Franklin Vance , 79, of Ames died July 6, 2010 t Heartwood House of complications from Lewy Body Disease. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM July 16 at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg in Ames.

Frank was born to Thomas and Blythe (Cessna) Vance in Des Moines but returned immediately to Ames. He was a 1949 graduate of Ames High School. In 1953 he received a BA degree from Iowa State College and married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Getz. For 1 year he taught American History and coached wrestling in Ottawa, II then he served 2 years in the U.S. Air Force in Wichita, KS. In 1956 he returned to ISU to earn a Masters Degree and work in the Student Counseling Service.

In 1958 he began his career in Special Ed. Serving the special needs children of Iowa for 36 years, first in the Charles City area then in Scott county. He moved to Des Moines in 1966 eventually becoming Chief of the State Bureau of Special Education. The Area Education Agencies were conceived and implemented during his tenure. He was a member of any professional organizations and received numerous honors and awards. Under his guidance Iowa became a national leader in providing services to handicapped children. He retired in 1994.

Frank loved country living at "Granddad's Farm" his home north of Ames and spending time at the family cottage on Deer Lake in Northern Minnesota.

He is survived by his wife, one daughter Deb Vance (John Rose) of Ames, one son, Scott
Vance of rural Ames, 3 grandchildren Julia (Chris) Stephens of Waterloo, Nate and Natalie
Vance of rural Ames and one sister Virginia (Irving) Merrill of Walnut Creak, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Gerry and Paul Vance and his daughter-in-law, Dawn Vance.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Special Olympics, the Story Co Conservation Commission or Heartwood House.

On Line condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.