Vance LaHoma Tomlin

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, On Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Vance L. Tomlin, 91, of Lafayette, Louisiana who passed into the loving embrace of Jesus on January 11, 2009. Our Savior will reunite Vance with the love of his life, Nora Lee Tomlin, the wife he cherised for over 68 years, when she joined our Lord just 6 short months ago. Reverend Chris Blanchard, Pastor of the Church of the Covenant -United Methodist, will officiate. Interment will take place in Lafayette Memorial Park. Vance, the son of the late William Lemuel Tomlin and the (late) former Alma McKinstry, was born on August 1, 1917 and was raised on a cotton farm in Warren, Tennessee. There he had a wonderful childhood, sharing loving family relationships with his four siblings, Kathleen, Aubrey, Dottie, and Margie, despite the enduring hardships of life during the Depression. He was able to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he met his beautiful bride-to be, Nora Lee Pratt. They began their road of life together, as Vance developed into a well respected and quite successful businessman. He was manager of Capital Airlines (became United Airlines) in New Orleans during the '50's and then formed one of the nation's first large commercial janitorial firms.(Gulf Janitorial Services). This venture expanded into several major cities in the Gulf Coast region and he eventually sold it to a national firm in the late 60's. During these prime years of his life he was a member of several philanthropical organizations in the New Orleans area, and developed some of the most enduring friendships imaginable. If you knew Vance even casually, you felt his caring spirit envelope you as a close friend. As full as his life was, he always put his absolute devoted love of his wife and children above all else. The sacrifices he made throughout life to help any and all of his sons are beyond description. All of us who know and love this man should consider ourselves most fortunate to have had him as long as we have. We have been exposed to a man that makes us each want to be a better person, for God was caring enough to let this kind soul be a part of our lives. Left behind to cherish his memory are his four sons and their families: Vance, Jr. with his sons, Casey and Derek; Bob and his son Robby and daughter Kristal; Billy and his wife Elaine, with daughters Megan and Brinden; and Rick and his wife Bonnie, with son Adam and daughter Brittany. There are now six great-grandchildren: Vance Tomlin, III, Tara Tomlin, Scott Lee, Ayden Lee, McKenna Tomlin, and Dane Tomlin. The family request that Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 from 11:00 am until time of services. The family asks that in lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Ste,200, Lafayette, LA 70503 or www.hospiceacadiana.com. Personal condolences may be sent to the Tomlin family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com . Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Dr., is in charge of all funeral arrangements.

Vance LaHoma Tomlin

August 1, 1917 - January 11, 2009