Richard S. Vanco

Richard Steven Vanco, 82, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024, at Holzer Medical Center, Gallipolis, Ohio. He was born on April 10, 1942, in Gallipolis, Ohio, to Jewel Gibson Vanco and Andrew Steven Vanco, who preceded him in death and was survived by siblings, Molly Plymale, Karen Icard, Sharon White, and Roger Vanco.  He is survived by his wife, Shirley Vanco and five children, Julie (Jeff) Wamsley, Rick (Melanie) Vanco, Kathy (Chris) Whaley, Sue (Jay) Burleson, and David (Brooke) Price. He has eleven grandchildren: Ashley (Dusty) Morrison, Nina Harter, Zane (Kristina) Whaley, Chance (Shannon) Burleson, Hali (Kyle) Bergman, Raegan, Rylan, Remington and Romey Price, and Noah and Bella Vanco, as well as five great-grandchildren: Audrey McKinniss, Avery Whaley, Hadley and Kylee Harter, and Clay Morrison.  He was also preceded in death by special grandson, Josh Vanco.  His favorite title of all was Papaw.  He loved and adored all his kids, grands, and great-grand; and they felt the same about him.

Richard was a 1960 graduate of Gallia Academy High School and worked in construction all along the east coast.  In most recent years before retirement, he was employed by French City Meats and Walmart as a meat cutter.

He was an avid storyteller, loved The Ohio State Buckeyes, cheering on the Gallia Academy Blue Devils, gardening, and spending time tinkering around in his greenhouse.  The most important thing to him was family, and he leaves behind not only memories but also an imprint on our hearts that will carry on his legacy for many years to come.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Gene Harmon officiating.  Burial will follow in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on July 10, 2024 from 11:00 AM until time of the service.