Vance Byron Wilson

Vance Byron Wilson, 89, passed away Saturday, June 18, 2016, in El Paso, Texas. Vance was born in Asheville, North Carolina, grew up in El Paso, and graduated from El Paso High School. He served in the Coast Guard in WWII, and after the war in Army ROTC while attending State College of New Mexico. He met his future wife during one of his training assignments and they married in 1949. He later served with honor in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of First Lieutenant. After his military service, he drove Greyhound buses for a short time and then worked on the family poultry farm in Baird for a few years before working as a Refinery Operating Engineer for Standard Oil Company in El Paso for 29 years until his retirement in 1987. He was affectionately known by family and friends as “Binkey”. He enjoyed Stock Car racing and even raced in them occasionally. He also enjoyed buying salvage cars to repair and resell. He had many adventures with family and friends on numerous fishing trips and family outings. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Wilma, and their three children: Kye Page (E.T.) of Cotulla; Audrey Biffle of El Paso; Robin Beeler (Scott) of Virginia Beach, VA.; nine grandchildren: Jennifer Page McCoy (Michael); Elizabeth Page Godwin (Caleb); Rebekah Hurley Mata (Enrique); Lisa Hurley Letz (Kevin); Caleb Hurley (Toni); Joyanna Hurley; Jason Rios (Koell), Rachelle Rios LaRue (Katie); Lauren Beeler Perkins (Mark); and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Jay and Jeneva Rector Wilson; brother, Jay Paul “Buddy” Wilson; sisters, Louise Wilson-Wilbourn; and Jean Wilson Bickel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Jesus Chapel School or a charity of your choice. Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 9th at 11 a.m. at F.D.A. Martin East. Interment will be at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at a later date. Services entrusted to F.D.A. Martin-East, 1460 George Dieter Dr. www.funerariasdelangel.com/martin-east