Joel Martin Vance
September 25, 1934 ~ December 9, 2020
Joel Martin Vance, 86, of Russellville, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Capital Region Medical Center.
He was born September 25, 1934, in Chicago, IL, the son of the late Martin Benton and Ann Marie (Soper) Vance.
He was a 1952 graduate of Keytesville High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri.
Joel served in the Army National Guard.
He was united in marriage on September 30, 1956, in Macon, Missouri, to Martha Lou Leist who survives.
Joel started his writing career as a reporter in Montgomery, AL covering important events such as the bus boycott in 1955. He and Marty moved to Mexico, MO, where he wrote for the Mexico Ledger as a sports reporter. In 1967, they moved to Jefferson City where he started his 25-year career with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) as a staff writer for the Missouri Conservationist. He continued freelancing his entire life for publications such as Outdoor Life, Gun Dog, and North American Fisherman and many others. He wrote ten books and was still posting to his blog up until a couple of weeks before he died.
His proudest contribution to the MDC involved promoting and writing the Design for Conservation outlining the constitutionally dedicated sales tax to push conservation forward in Missouri. This proposal is the blueprint for similar initiatives across the nation. Consequently, the MDC is one of the most trusted and financed agencies in the country. He prophetically wrote in 1975, “Heritage is something passed along. How sad if all we pass to those who will remember us is noise and pollution and concrete. How sad never to hear the sweet voice of a bluebird, never to see the dogwoods in bloom, never to know the majesty of an oak-mantled Ozark bluff. That is the sorrow we must not allow to occur in the tomorrows of the future.”
Joel was also a long-time member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). He was president and won multiple awards such as Jade of Chiefs for distinguished service to conservation and the Ham Brown Award for exceptional service to OWAA. He also taught at and founded residential writing workshops for many years: Wildbranch in Vermont and Goldenrod in Montana, in addition to many workshops, presentations, and school groups.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, biking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, playing the guitar and singing, photography, artwork, reading, international travel, and spending time with family and his dogs.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Marty Vance, Russellville; five children, Carrie (Ron) DeValk, Woodland Park, CO; Joseph Vance, Jefferson City; Edward Vance, Russellville; Andrew Vance, Russellville; Amy (Brad) Binkley, Jefferson City; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren with one more on the way.
Preceded in death by his parents and many beloved bird dogs.
A private family service will be held.
Memorials are suggested to the Conservation Federation of Missouri.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
He was born September 25, 1934, in Chicago, IL, the son of the late Martin Benton and Ann Marie (Soper) Vance.
He was a 1952 graduate of Keytesville High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri.
Joel served in the Army National Guard.
He was united in marriage on September 30, 1956, in Macon, Missouri, to Martha Lou Leist who survives.
Joel started his writing career as a reporter in Montgomery, AL covering important events such as the bus boycott in 1955. He and Marty moved to Mexico, MO, where he wrote for the Mexico Ledger as a sports reporter. In 1967, they moved to Jefferson City where he started his 25-year career with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) as a staff writer for the Missouri Conservationist. He continued freelancing his entire life for publications such as Outdoor Life, Gun Dog, and North American Fisherman and many others. He wrote ten books and was still posting to his blog up until a couple of weeks before he died.
His proudest contribution to the MDC involved promoting and writing the Design for Conservation outlining the constitutionally dedicated sales tax to push conservation forward in Missouri. This proposal is the blueprint for similar initiatives across the nation. Consequently, the MDC is one of the most trusted and financed agencies in the country. He prophetically wrote in 1975, “Heritage is something passed along. How sad if all we pass to those who will remember us is noise and pollution and concrete. How sad never to hear the sweet voice of a bluebird, never to see the dogwoods in bloom, never to know the majesty of an oak-mantled Ozark bluff. That is the sorrow we must not allow to occur in the tomorrows of the future.”
Joel was also a long-time member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). He was president and won multiple awards such as Jade of Chiefs for distinguished service to conservation and the Ham Brown Award for exceptional service to OWAA. He also taught at and founded residential writing workshops for many years: Wildbranch in Vermont and Goldenrod in Montana, in addition to many workshops, presentations, and school groups.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, biking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, playing the guitar and singing, photography, artwork, reading, international travel, and spending time with family and his dogs.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Marty Vance, Russellville; five children, Carrie (Ron) DeValk, Woodland Park, CO; Joseph Vance, Jefferson City; Edward Vance, Russellville; Andrew Vance, Russellville; Amy (Brad) Binkley, Jefferson City; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren with one more on the way.
Preceded in death by his parents and many beloved bird dogs.
A private family service will be held.
Memorials are suggested to the Conservation Federation of Missouri.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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As the son of a MDC employee I was familiar with the Conservationist Magazine at a very early age and always looked forward to reading Joel’s articles. I was fortunate to meet him at his son Eddie’s house, who was building cedar furniture for us. Will miss reading his weekly blogs that always brought a smile.
Joel and my husband, Ron Cox, were second cousins in the Vance family. Ron shared a lot of memories of growing up with Joel, always with fondness. As Ron read his books, many memories flooded back with laughter. He was very proud to be Joel’s relative. May they both RIP together again.
From my earliest memory as a teenager I always read Joel’s articles. He was an idol to me that made the outdoors come alive in my mind.
Marty and family, so sad to hear of Joel’s passing. Loved him, his sense of humor, his writings, his stories, his presence. He’s now free to roam those Elysian Fields with my dad, Jack Stanford, Ray Wells and Jim D. Wilson, and with the many long-gone bird dogs, “whose dash shows their worth, as their feet kiss the earth”…….in search of those elusive quail……and what a time those friends will have!!! And ESPECIALLY AFTER the hunt…….as Joel will have them all rolling, as he regales them with his tales! Embracing you in my thoughts, Susie Stanford-Shultz
My dad sold him a Brittany pup years ago…Chip. We used to love reading stories about “our dog’….your dad was a fine fellow, a friend to the conversationists, avid hunters and fisherman of Missouri.
My dad, Jack Sanders, and I were reminiscing about our dads taking a fun bunch of adventurous girls (us) on girl scout camping and canoeing trips. Here are some of Dad’s memories. (I hope I get them right!) The two of dads in a canoe bringing up the rear, grabbing gear and helping out when any canoe tipped. Cooking breakfast for everyone over a fire– first quickly cooking the bacon in a super hot frying pan; then dropping the eggs in to fry instantly (no need to turn them over); next dropping the egg shells into the pot of coffee to help settle to grounds. One time every girl’s canoe tipped. The dad’s did not– until the end. Another time one end of the girls’ canoes got stuck under a log (or rock) on the Eleven Point River. The dads tried everything to get it out. No luck until they found someone with a motor boat who was able to pull it out. Now me– These adventures were truly highlights that will always be remembered. I always thought your dad was the epitome of an outdoorsman– he knew everything, and was never ruffled by anything unexpected that happened (and it always did). He was just a fun, kind man who was passionate, articulate, and so very knowledgeable about the natural world (my personal love). I respected him in many ways.
I spent a lot of time when I was young hunting with Joel, Spence and my dad. A lot of great memories there. They are all together now, hunting, sharing stories and causing mischief. Todd Mackey
If there is a nicer man than Joel Vance I have yet to meet him. I am sorry for your loss.
I have many memories of Joel during our time together at Waldenbooks at the Capital Mall. He played a big part as an author in our ‘local interest’ section. He was so accommodating & always ready to sign another book for our loyal customers. You will always be remembered. May the angels carry you into Paradise. Mary Koeneman
I was one of those who had a privilege to not only know Joel but also work with him on my book. His writing is unparalleled and I will cherish his words forever. He will be missed by many of those who are blessed to have known him.
It is deepest sympathy. I am very sorry for your loss. I am so blessed to know Joel. I will cherish his words in my book forever. He will be missed.
I started reading Joel Vance in the Conservationist when I was just a kid. I’m 66 now and had just found him on FB and was able to let him know how much I enjoyed his writing. Sorry to see him go.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Joel’s death. He was a major voice in the conservation movements in Missouri as well as the rest of the nation. He was also a very good friend and a fun guy to be around. He will be missed. Gene Kelly
Joel was a good man. Not only a great conservation writer and humorist, he also was a good and patient teacher and mentor. And he loved the fabled rivers of Missouri and canoeing generally, which I do too. My sincere condolences to his wife and family. May he rest in peace. John Helland Minnesota
Joel was my outdoors and conservation writing hero. Credentials, accomplishments and honors aside, he was just one hell of a human being. He could be as funny as any writer and, in the next paragraph, scald the hide off someone who needed it. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Joel’s family and consider it an enormous privilege to have known this fine man. RIP, good friend, and I hope you double on every future covey rise. JOHN STANARD, Poplar Bluff.
Marty and family, I will forever remember Joel’s sense of humor and the mentorship he provided to me in OWAA. My prayers are with you.