Leland Stanford Vance Jr.

Leland Stanford Vance Jr., 82, passed away November 20, 2011. Originally from Oklahoma City, Leland has been a Colorado resident since 1960. Besides his wife of 59 years Geneva Horstmeier, Leland is survived by two daughters Lisa Clark of Evergreen, Colorado, and her husband Patrick, Marysusan Endacott of Anchorage, Alaska and her husband Phillip, and three grandsons Eric Vance Clark & Kevin Clark of Colorado and Jacob Endacott of Alaska. Born in Oklahoma City, Leland attended Oklahoma Military Academy then graduated from Classen High and later from Oklahoma University where he was an SAE. He received a BBA with a major in Marketing and a minor in Business Law, graduating in 1951. His father Leland Sr. worked at Mistletoe Express where Junior learned to drive a truck. His civic minded father worked later at the Daily Oklahoman newspaper. His aunt was Susan Adams of ""Aunt Susan"" a predecessor of Betty Crocker with weekly articles and cooking schools and shows. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army after serving during the Korean War from Ft. Sam Houston and achieving the rank of Corporal. Subsequently, he went to work as an oil scout for Champlin Oil. He was President of the Northwest Oklahoma, and Ardmore Oil Scouts associations. In 1960 Leland moved to Denver to work as an oil and gas broker. He opened the Beard Oil office in 1972. He worked as an independent lease broker in the area from 1993 up until age 80. He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Landman (AAPL) and active in the Oil Scouts of Denver. Leland avidly supported the NRA. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and reloading ammo. His most recent trip being to South Dakota for pheasant in October. He enjoyed Colorado sports, the Rockies and the Broncos especially, and was also an OU Boomer Sooners fan. He attended the Church of the Apostles in Evergreen. He was a loving, kind, caring husband and father; approachable, respectful and fun man. If you were going with Leland you knew you were in for a good time. He is dearly loved by his grandsons, his daughters and his wife. His presence will be sorely missed. Memorial Service 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 29, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227. Committal to follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80235. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made in Leland's honor are suggested to the Salvation Army or to Evergreen Christian Outreach. Please share your memories of Leland and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" link.