John Vance Jr.

John Edward Vance Jr. (Fast Eddie) passed away Friday October 29, 2021, in Ruidoso Downs, NM.  Eddie was born October 6th, 1948, in Wheeling West Virginia. His family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona when he was just a young boy. Eddie played baseball and football but his main interest was cars. Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s he was always tinkering on old Fords, Chevy’s, Oldsmobile’s, Pontiac’s, and an occasional Volkswagen, turning them into hot rods with the help of his friends.

Eddie’s family moved to Farmington, NM in 1965 where he attended Farmington High School and graduated in 1966. Eddie entered the U.S. Navy on April 16, 1968, where he served in Vietnam as a “Seabee”, the Navy’s Construction Battalion.

His personality and charm were unlike that of any other. Eddie was not ordinary in any way, God made him extraordinary in every way.  Jokes and humor are what made Eddie such a lovable person. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand. He touched many lives and he had so many friends that loved him.

Eddie had multiple titles throughout his life: Husband, Grandfather, Great Grandfather. He was also an uncle, godfather, and mentor, but he was proudest of the title Dad, Daddy, or Pops which his children called him.

Eddie is preceded in death by his Parents, John Edward Vance Sr., and Mary Vance; Uncle & Aunt, Walt Eleanor Shemenski; Cousin, Ed Sprout and Granddaughter, Kayla Welch.

Eddie is survived by his family:

Wife, Terri Vance, Mabank, Texas; Son, Robert Leyba, Katy Texas; Daughter, Cayci and her husband Carroll Scott of Ruidoso, NM; Son, Ryan Vance and his wife Anita Vance of Roswell, NM; Daughter, Mary Greene, and her husband AG of Albuquerque, NM; Grandchildren: Bradley Leyba, Brittaney Leyba, Johnathan Leyba and Wife Peyton Leyba, Michael Leyba, Johnny Montoya, Jordyn Welch, Kenyan Welch, Brannyn Vance, Tayler Vance, James Torrez, Mercedes Torrez, and Rylan Edward Vance and many great grandchildren.