Vance Gilbert Watchous

The Celebration of Life Services will be held on Monday, August 22, 2022 from 3:00pm - 7:00pm at the Stokely Event Center in Tulsa, OK


Vance Gilbert Watchous, 61, passed away Thursday, August 11th, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born August 23rd, 1960 in Wichita, Kansas to Vernon and Mary (Cross) Watchous. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gina Watchous; and sister, Marti Leuellen.


Vance was a 1978 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. A mechanical mind and a love of vehicles led him into a career lasting 32 years as Vice President of Operations for Arnco Transportation in Tulsa, OK. Vance was the kind of man who was always on the go. He loved spending time with family and friends and if you were lucky enough to be on that list, you knew he was always in your corner to help lend a hand, move your belongings, or fix your car. His sense of humor, quick wit and sarcastic nature were a few of his characteristics that kept you on your toes. His huge heart, endless work ethic, and love for life were traits we could all learn from. He loved a good western or mystery novel and sometimes read more in a week than most people do in a month. He was a thoughtful and intelligent man who could give advice on nearly any subject. He will be greatly missed and loved.


His survivors include his daughters, Lacey Watchous, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Samantha Sherman and husband Aaron, of Claremore, Oklahoma; son, John Watchous, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brian Tucker, Mollie Sherman, Abigail Sherman, Scarlett Watchous, Cason McElroy, Dax Whitfield, Jax Whitfield, Raevyn Ward, Ella Proffitt; sisters, Donna Watchous, of Barling, Arkansas, Barbara Petrus and husband Jim, of Charleston, South Carolina, and Rhonda Marganti and husband Mike, of Orlando, Florida; brother-in-law, David Leuellen; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive him.