Donald F. Vance

Donald Frazier Vance, 89, Political Science professor and Dean of Continuing Education at Baldwin Wallace College for over 40 years passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Born on February 8, 1935 in Bloomington, IL to Donald and Lois Vance, Don graduated from DePauw University, where he earned his undergraduate degree and met his future wife Marilyn Merkle in an English course during their freshman year. Marilyn and he started dating over 70 years ago, graduated, and married in 1957. They moved to Bloomington, IN, where Don earned his PhD in Political Science from Indiana University. In 1961, they moved to Berea, OH, when Don took his career-long job at Baldwin Wallace College, now University, where he was a Professor of Political Science and Dean of Continuing Education for over 40 years.  While at Baldwin Wallace, Don was instrumental in starting the weekend and evening college, which provided students with different options of when to take classes and receive a degree, other than the traditional way. His dedication to teaching and inspiring college students was evident in the lasting relationships that he created with his students, colleagues, and administration. Furthermore, his trailblazing leadership and ambition to start a new program with administrative support improved students’ academic experiences and quality of education.  Don and Marilyn loved to travel. When asked about their favorite trip, they agreed their journey to Nepal, made possible by Don’s award of the Fulbright Scholarship in 1971, was the best one. After a year of teaching at the university in Nepal and volunteering, they moved back home with their adopted daughter, Thimi, named after her birthplace, whom they unexpectedly, but excitingly adopted. After returning to Ohio, Don, Marilyn, and Thimi settled in their Olmsted Falls home, where they shared decades of countless meaningful family memories.  Don is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Thimi (Chris), and grandchildren Cameron and McKeely.  A celebration of life in honor of Don will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, at Olmsted Community Church in Olmsted Falls located at 7853 Main Street. 

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