Eugene Harold Vance

Eugene Harold “Gene” Vance, age 89, of 2137 Athens Road, Princeton, WV, passed away on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at his home with his loving family by his side. Born on December 12, 1922 in Iaeger, he was a son of the late Richard and Samantha Stacy Vance. He had been a resident of Princeton for 26 years. He was a retired railroad conductor for Norfolk Southern where he worked 40 years. He was also a conductor for Amtrak. He was a member of the UTU, NRA, and was an honorary Kentucky Colonel. He also loved gardening. He was a graduate of Mercer County Vocational School, and Liberty University in Lynchburg with biblical studies. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 sons, Larry Ray and Timothy Harold Vance; a great granddaughter, Haddie Lauren Slusher. Survivors include: Wife of 70 years: Kathryn Hager Vance of the home Son: Kenneth (Mickey) Vance and wife Rhonda of Bluefield, VA Daughter: Patricia (Pat) Slusher and husband Dusty of Salem, VA Grandchildren: Meagan Stroud and husband Justin of Lynchburg, VA Christopher Eugene Slusher and wife Tiffany of Riner, VA Michael Wilson Slusher and wife Carlin of Raleigh, NC Great grandson: Vance Orion Slusher of Raleigh, NC Sister: Thelma Allen of Adrian, MI Special friends: Earl and Elva Dotson of Athens Road, Princeton David & Linda Martin of Athens Road, Princeton Irene Rose of Halls Ridge Road, Princeton Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with Pastor Mike Rose officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton with Ronnie Nunn, Donnie Nunn, Justin Stroud, Christopher Slusher, Michael Slusher, and David Martin. Honorary pallbearers will be current and retired members of the railroad. Friends may call on Tuesday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 900 Highland Avenue, Bluefield, WV 24701. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.