Vance Lawrence Saffel

Vance Lawrence Saffel, 66, longtime resident of Rule, Texas, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 20, 2016, at the Rule Cemetery in Rule, Texas, with Rev. Will Duniven officiating. Visitation is planned for Sunday evening, June 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Smith Family Funeral Home located at 304 North Second Street, Haskell, Texas.

Vance was born August 15, 1949, in Haskell, Texas to Wayne Lawrence Saffel and Chessie Evelyn (Wilson) Saffel. He graduated from Rule High School, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, then later married Donna (Gordon) Saffel on April 9, 1971, in Haskell, Texas. Vance was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Haskell, Texas. He was employed by the Clear Fork Ranch as a wildlife specialist. Vance loved fishing, hunting, playing cards, pitching horseshoes, and spending time with family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Chessie Saffel and his mother-in-law, Wilma John Pruett.

Vance is survived by his wife, Donna Saffel of Haskell, Texas; two daughters, Jana Joiner and husband Mike of Lubbock, Texas and Julie Marshall and husband Jason of Denton, Texas; five grandchildren, Alyssa and Chase Joiner, Patrick, Jessie and Langley Marshall; one grandchild on the way, Bodie Vance Marshall; three brothers, Steve Saffel and wife Donna of Abilene, Texas, Kenneth Saffel and wife Joyce of Rule, Texas, and Mike Saffel and wife Melinda of Issaquah, Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Online condolences can be shared with Vance's family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.