Vance Eugene Walpole

Vance Eugene Walpole, 80, lived a long and full life. He peacefully entered Heaven on October 13, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Vance was born on November 29, 1940, in Borger, TX, to Robert and Mary Walpole. At a young age, his family relocated to Houston, where he was raised and attended school. At just 18, Vance, his parents, and his younger brother were all involved in a tragic car accident, leaving him the only survivor. After a long and difficult recovery, he overcame many obstacles and began to live again. From that point on, he lived his life as though each day would be his last.

Vance loved fast cars, speed boats and motorcycles – often racing them. He was a blackbelt in karate, played third base in baseball, loved water sports, jet skis and trips to the lake. He also loved watching sports – especially the Houston Oilers and Texans – and never missed a boxing or UFC match. Vance also loved collecting autographed memorabilia from sports he loved.

Vance was a hard worker and excelled at everything he did. He worked as an apprentice at Gulf Printing, working his way up and eventually mastering the press. Always dressing to impress, he loved men’s fashion and worked a sales position at Leopold Price & Rolle in the Galleria, quickly becoming the top sales manager. He had the gift of gab and through conversation, he instilled confidence in others and always encouraged them to reach their full potential. He attended barber college and successfully opened three full-service hair salons named – The Barbara Shop. He loved this last job so much, he never retired.

In 1971, Vance met his beautiful wife Barbara, and they were inseparable. God blessed them with three girls, completing their family. Vance was a loyal husband, devoted father, and awesome Pops (grandpa). He was kind and generous, always making others feel like family. He was a father figure to many and made countless positive impacts on the lives of those around him.

Vance accepted Christ as a boy and was a strong believer throughout life. His faith was inspiring. He always gave God credit for the blessings he received. Most importantly, he instilled the love of Jesus Christ in his three girls. He was a devout and sincere man with a knack for “telling it like it is.” He was authentic, with a smile that could light up the room. He was always the first one to strike up a conversation and had a strong opinion about everything. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

Vance is survived by his three daughters, Vonna Taylor (Nick), Amber Anthony (Tony), Brittany Walpole; and his grandchildren, Trace, Allister, Rivers, and Rainn. Surviving nieces and nephew are Denise, April, and John Apgar. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara; his dad and mom, Robert and Mary Walpole; and his siblings, Vaughn Walpole, Bobbye Jo Apgar and Bettye Walpole.

The family would like to recognize the blessing of Sacred Choice (Lacey), DaVita Dialysis (Michelle, Bianca, and Alfie) and Houston Hospice (Gifty, Gabriel, Birdie, Kathy, and David) for their heartfelt and exceptional care.

John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

A visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 22, 2021, at Sugar Creek Baptist Church, 13213 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, with a Celebration of Vance’s life to begin at 11:00 am. Immediately following, friends are invited to a reception with the family in the Fellowship Hall.