Vance Draper Rawlings' Obituary
Vance Draper Rawlings 1943 – 2022.
Vance passed away in the early morning hours of November 2nd after spending the previous evening with his son watching tv and chatting like they did often.
Vance was born in American Fork UT in the spring of 1943. After waiting years to have a child, Wilford William & Della Rawlings were so happy when they had Vance. As he grew into a toddler, he spent lots of time out in the garden, fine tuning his tomato eating skills. He also had lots of curly blond hair that his mother loved and did not want to cut (as most know his hair did not last). After his little sister Linda was born, the family moved to Midvale to be closer to Kennecott where his father worked. The family grew to include a kid brother, David and a baby sister, Teri.
Vance attended Jordan High School and just prior to his senior year a new girl moved in on his street, Marie Holter. Marie and Linda became friends and eventually Vance asked the new girl to the movies.
After graduation in 1961, Vance went to work helping to design sound systems for LDS church buildings. He briefly served in the Eastern States Mission, but due to health problems he came home early. Once back, he returned to sound systems, installing the systems he had previously designed. Vance and Marie dated during Marie's senior year, and were married in the Salt Lake Temple, December1963. They lived in the Midvale area for many years, close to his family and friends.
Vance & Marie welcomed a son, Robert and two years later a daughter, Valarie. Their third child Ryan took a few years to come along to complete the family. Vance taught his children that work was important, working various jobs to make ends meet while pursuing his dreams of working in electronics.
He enjoyed working in early electronic automation and on aerospace systems, before starting his own contract manufacturing business with his family. Having his own business enabled him to work daily with the whole family.
He endured many physical health issues over the years. He loved the work and the people and he did it as long as he could. He tried to include his grandchildren in whatever he was working on, letting them “help” where ever they could. His grandchildren brought him joy through the years of playtime as well as seeing them grow into the amazing people they have become.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, who has cared for him though all his health challenges. His children Robert (Elizabeth), Valarie & Ryan. Grand children Richard & Marie. His siblings Linda Bianchi, David Rawlings & Teri Kyte. Preceded in death by his parents and in-laws.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday November 12th at 1pm in the Crescent 16th ward building at 275 East 10600 South in the multi-purpose room. Come share a memory about Vance. Zoom will be available – please contact [email protected] for emailed link.
NO CUT FLOWERS PLEASE
What’s your fondest memory of Vance?
What’s a lesson you learned from Vance?
Share a story where Vance's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Vance you’ll never forget.
How did Vance make you smile?