Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

baird-freeman@yahoo.com

Robert E. "Bob" Vance age 85, of Portland passed away on Sunday January 11, 2026.  He was born in rural Portland on October 30, 1940 the son of Merritt and Faye (Edwards) Vance.  He was married on November 24, 1962 to Karen Woodruff and she passed away on January 4, 2019.  He graduated from Portland High School in 1958 and Tri State University in 1964 with a degree in mechanical engineering.  Bob worked at Sheller-Globe and Jay Complete Electric.  He also owned Vance Heating and Cooling and Indoor Comfort by Vance.  He holds a patent for a paper punch system for computers that he designed while working for National Cash Register.

Bob served on both city and county councils.  Bob belonged to many service organizations over the years.  He was a former president of Rotary Club.  Bob served as treasurer for the Jay County Historical Society.  Bob was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church where he served for many years as the Chairman for the Board of Trustees and on the finance committee.

Bob is survived by his children Lori (Steve) McIntosh of Portland, Lisa (Matt) Rudy of Babcock Ranch, Florida, Robert (Jinnie) Vance of Yorktown and Lana (Melvin) Hilty of Portland, a brother Larry Vance of Kennasaw, Georgia, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his sisters Alice Leonhard Horn and Florence Reitenour.

Services for Bob will be on Saturday January 17th at 3:00 PM in the Asbury United Methodist Church with Pastor Josh Arthur presiding.  Burial will follow in the Green Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be Saturday from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at the church.  Memorials can be made to the Jay County Historical Society.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com