Paul Vance Celebrates 90 Years Of Life
By Robert Vanderbrugen/Democrat News Staff Writer
Aug 05, 2009 - 11:20:30 CDT
Paul Vance celebrated his 90th birthday on July 22, 2009. His son Robin Vance presented his father a limited edition of a 2008 Cabernet Franc wine with additional blends in celebration of his lifetime. The wine was created specifically for Paul.
According to family and friends; Paul and Sue Vance moved to Madison County and founded the Flying V Ranch in 1965, Paul was still a pilot for Monsanto. He was also heading up their technical marketing and fire safety programs. By then, he had distinguished himself as a civic leader in the St. Louis region and a professional expert in the aviation industry on a national level.
His awards, certificates, of recognition for outstanding achievements and contributions, merit plaques and letters of appreciation covered the four walls of his business office and home office; then overflowed into crates and boxes. Paul's photograph collection showed his close association with business and political 'movers and shakers' with the most prized being of the earliest NASA astronauts.
When Paul graduated from SEMO with a degree in education in 1942, he had his commercial pilot's license and a commission in the Navy. During World War II, he served as Flight Instructor and Naval Air Transport Pilot. Retiring twenty four years later from the Naval reserve with the rank of Commander, he had continued his life-long contribution to his profession and his country. During these years, he developed and personified the standards of excellence in performance and safety the pilots to this day continue to aspire to. Paul maintains his membership in nearly two dozen prestigious organizations for aviators on the regional, state and national levels.
Since Paul's retirement in 1970, the Vance family has created manufacturing, sales and distribution companies known as Aviation Fluid Supplies, Fire Safety Products, Filtration Systems Products, TBM,Inc., and Main Street Productions. These companies are involved in producing and marketing fire resistant textiles (used in NASA space suits), fluids for the aviation industry, filters for collection of dry dust products as well as for the food industry, and technical support to companies using their products. Since purchasing the building on South Main St. in the 1980's they have added on twice to accommodate the growth in their product lines. They now operate eight facilities over several states and employ 120 people. The Fredericktown operation had 55 employees and generates a $2 million annual payroll of 1999.
If this was the end of the story, it would certainly show a rich life filled with achievement. This is, however, only the backdrop to the continuing story of the Vance family in Madison County. When Paul came to Madison County, he transplanted his commitment to community development and began nurturing the individuals and organizations that shared his vision. He hosted the "Thursday Morning Coffee" in the 1980's which eventually led to the re-vitalization of the Chamber of Commerce (Known today as the Madison County Chamber of Commerce). He provided office space , utilities and support for the Chamber for years until they could move to their own facility. He volunteered his leadership, enthusiasm and considerable financial support to local endeavors whenever and wherever there was a need. His work on governing boards and advisory councils included the hospital, nursing home, airport, disability services, regional development, chamber of commerce, and the list goes on… Paul's work with the Trail of Tears Commemorative was recognized all over the country and his significant contributions have been cited in alumni merit award from SEMO University, Local awards include the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, Lion's Club Distinguished Service Award, Radio Station KTJJ's 110 Percent Award and Jaycee Man of the Year.
Paul's love of history and commitment to preservation led to the purchase and renovation of the Fredericktown depot building to house museum-quality exhibits that mark aviation and transportation milestones.
Countless hours and dollars are given in quiet ways and out of public notice. Financial help is given to graduating high-schoolers, band projects, softball and soccer teams. Groups of people with disabilities have been seen fishing or enjoying the farm animals at the Flying V Ranch. Groups of youngsters have been sponsored for trips to the circus, the rodeo or summer camp. Paul shares his resources with friends; and he considers everybody his friend. Paul makes a point of purchasing goods and services locally whenever possible. He will lend his moral support and financial resources to make the future brighter for all the citizens of his community. Paul is the dictionary definition of optimism and generosity.
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http://www.dailyjournalonline.com/articles/2009/08/05/dn/news/doc4a7991d562fa9152615879.txt
According to family and friends; Paul and Sue Vance moved to Madison County and founded the Flying V Ranch in 1965, Paul was still a pilot for Monsanto. He was also heading up their technical marketing and fire safety programs. By then, he had distinguished himself as a civic leader in the St. Louis region and a professional expert in the aviation industry on a national level.
His awards, certificates, of recognition for outstanding achievements and contributions, merit plaques and letters of appreciation covered the four walls of his business office and home office; then overflowed into crates and boxes. Paul's photograph collection showed his close association with business and political 'movers and shakers' with the most prized being of the earliest NASA astronauts.
When Paul graduated from SEMO with a degree in education in 1942, he had his commercial pilot's license and a commission in the Navy. During World War II, he served as Flight Instructor and Naval Air Transport Pilot. Retiring twenty four years later from the Naval reserve with the rank of Commander, he had continued his life-long contribution to his profession and his country. During these years, he developed and personified the standards of excellence in performance and safety the pilots to this day continue to aspire to. Paul maintains his membership in nearly two dozen prestigious organizations for aviators on the regional, state and national levels.
Since Paul's retirement in 1970, the Vance family has created manufacturing, sales and distribution companies known as Aviation Fluid Supplies, Fire Safety Products, Filtration Systems Products, TBM,Inc., and Main Street Productions. These companies are involved in producing and marketing fire resistant textiles (used in NASA space suits), fluids for the aviation industry, filters for collection of dry dust products as well as for the food industry, and technical support to companies using their products. Since purchasing the building on South Main St. in the 1980's they have added on twice to accommodate the growth in their product lines. They now operate eight facilities over several states and employ 120 people. The Fredericktown operation had 55 employees and generates a $2 million annual payroll of 1999.
If this was the end of the story, it would certainly show a rich life filled with achievement. This is, however, only the backdrop to the continuing story of the Vance family in Madison County. When Paul came to Madison County, he transplanted his commitment to community development and began nurturing the individuals and organizations that shared his vision. He hosted the "Thursday Morning Coffee" in the 1980's which eventually led to the re-vitalization of the Chamber of Commerce (Known today as the Madison County Chamber of Commerce). He provided office space , utilities and support for the Chamber for years until they could move to their own facility. He volunteered his leadership, enthusiasm and considerable financial support to local endeavors whenever and wherever there was a need. His work on governing boards and advisory councils included the hospital, nursing home, airport, disability services, regional development, chamber of commerce, and the list goes on… Paul's work with the Trail of Tears Commemorative was recognized all over the country and his significant contributions have been cited in alumni merit award from SEMO University, Local awards include the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, Lion's Club Distinguished Service Award, Radio Station KTJJ's 110 Percent Award and Jaycee Man of the Year.
Paul's love of history and commitment to preservation led to the purchase and renovation of the Fredericktown depot building to house museum-quality exhibits that mark aviation and transportation milestones.
Countless hours and dollars are given in quiet ways and out of public notice. Financial help is given to graduating high-schoolers, band projects, softball and soccer teams. Groups of people with disabilities have been seen fishing or enjoying the farm animals at the Flying V Ranch. Groups of youngsters have been sponsored for trips to the circus, the rodeo or summer camp. Paul shares his resources with friends; and he considers everybody his friend. Paul makes a point of purchasing goods and services locally whenever possible. He will lend his moral support and financial resources to make the future brighter for all the citizens of his community. Paul is the dictionary definition of optimism and generosity.