Lyle Lloyd Vance
November 1, 1918 - September 18, 2005
Obituary
Lyle L. VANCE
Born November 1, 1918 in Medicine Lake, MT to Ole and Myrtle Vance. Died September 18, 2005. Lyle was a Marine and a POW in Japan during WWII. In 1946 he married Fern Carlson and they lived in Gregory Heights for over 50 years. Preceded in death by his wife Fern and a daughter Sandra Strader. Beloved father of Sherry Larry Baysinger, Chawn Vance and Gregg Mindy Vance; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother of Myrle Dodge, Vern Bea Vance and Harold Vivian Vance and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation Wednesday, September 21, 2005 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a funeral service 12:30 PM Thursday, September 22, 2005 both at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac. Memorials suggested to the Ex-POW Headquarters, 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Ste. 40, Arlington, TX 76010. Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
Lyle L. Vance was born on the family farm in Medicine Lake, Montana on November 1, 1918 to Ole and Myrtle Vance and passed away September 18, 2005.
In 1940 he joined the U.S. Marines . He was taken captive on Corregidor on the Philippine Islands in 1942. He survived the death marches and was eventually sent to Japan as a Prisoner of War where he was interned for three and half years. He was freed in 1945 and was awarded the Bronze Star, Silver Star and Purple Heart.
In 1946 he married Fern Carlson. They moved to Gregory Heights in 1950 where they raised their four children; Sherry, Chawn, Sandy and Gregg. Lyle owned Highline Driving School and worked for Highline School District until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, playing the harmonica and being at home with his family.
Lyle and Fern’s home was a refuge for their children and many friends.
Preceded in death by his wife Fern and daughter Sandra Strader, he is survived by his daughter Sherry Larry Baysinger, Chawn Vance, and Gregg Mindy Vance; 10 grandchildren; 6 great- grandchildren; his sister Myrle Dodge; his brothers Vern Bea Vance and Harold Vivian Vance and numerous nieces and nephews.
THE YOUNG MARINE
In 1940 the young man had a plan
To join the Marines
Be one of the few, see the world,
Become a man.
The Marines would teach him to survive
Support his comrades, to shoot a gun,
To be a fighting man
And stay alive.
The Philippine Islands was a peaceful place a paradise,
Warm water, tropical jungles, friendly people
When the enemy attacked Pearl Harbor
It became a different place.
On a lonely cliff at Corregidor the young man stayed
Through ceaseless bombings
He kept his post
And prayed.
His rifle was blown away in the strife.
Only the sling was left.
He knew God would protect him now,
And he would never take one’s life.
Food and ammo and strength disappeared
The battle there was lost
Surrender was the only way out
And every soldier feared.
McArthur promised “I will return”
And bring my soldiers home.
But through endless miles of marching
The soldiers felt alone.
At Cabanatuan, the prisoners languished
Hungry, sick and wounded.
Japan could be no worse they thought
As thousands of young men perished.
In the bottom of the hell ships
They prayed for water and air
A wise chaplain spoke God’s word
And saved men from despair.
Many soldiers died at sea
Never to reach the shore.
Hundreds in the enemy ships were sunk
By their own comrades of war.
In cattle cars through landscape bleak
The soldiers went by train
Into the land of the enemy
Wounded and sick and weak.
The soldiers struggled on
Through years of hunger, beatings and slavery
Some lost their hope of going home
And then they soon were gone.
Liberation! What a joyous sound!
It came at such great cost
Hiroshima, Nagasaki,
But the soldiers’ freedom found!
Lest we forget the lesson
This Marine lived to tell
This story is told here
Let’s learn its values well.
Strength, brawn and purpose
Will never be enough
To match the ruthless enemy
We need to have God’s love
Our Lord has asked us to surrender
Our plans for His own
He keeps His many promises
We will never be alone.
When health, strength and purpose falter
And the road seems long and lone
Keep stepping with your comrades
Never loose hope of going home.
Our Lord has paid the ransom
For the sins of you and me
Let us never forget this
Freedom is not free
-Sherry Baysinger
September 21, 2005
My thoughts have been with you cousins since hearing about Uncle Lyle’s death. I’m glad we got to hear his WWII stories at our Carlson Family Reunion. He was a special man.
My dear friends of Lyle’s family, I think of you at this difficult time and yet also I also can share your satisfaction because of Lyle’s faith.I remember him from my youth and always admired his gentle way. With Love, Michael
We have many memories of Uncle Lyle, but the one that means the most to us, was his gentleness and kindness to others.
We have fond memories of Lyle and Fern in our days in West Seattle. We had jolly times. Good meals, Spiritual visits and good fun. We will keep them both in our thoughts.
Our sincere sympathy to the family. And our love. George and ERma Richardson.