Ezra Gene Vance

Ezra Gene Vance, 61, of Centerville, passed away on October 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Ezra was born in Killeen, Texas, while his family was stationed there with the Army. After several duty stations in the U.S. and Germany, his father retired as a Command Sergeant Major and his family settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ezra was a multi-sport athlete (football, soccer, basketball, wrestling) at Hanau and Aurora High Schools and graduated as a Valedictorian. After attending Boys’ State and Boys’ Nation his junior year of high school, Ezra set his sights on attending the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Ezra graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant from the U. S. Air Force Academy in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in management and military honors. Ezra served eight years as an acquisition program manager for weapons procurement in the United States Air Force, culminating in leading the Mil Star satellite program for Headquarters Air Force Space Command and earning Distinguished Graduate from Squadron Officer School. Ezra carried immense pride in his military service and especially cherished his years at the Academy and the brotherhood forged in Cadet Squadron 19.

Ezra transitioned into the business world in 1995, where he worked in management and sales for companies ranging from Ameritech to Motorola to Dell. After 29 years in corporate America, Ezra decided to finish his career by returning to his roots and became a civilian acquisition program manager working for the Department of the Air Force in 2024. Ezra thrived professionally and deeply valued the friendships and relationships he built throughout his career. Coworkers and friends consistently described him as caring, humble, selfless, inclusive, the epitome of a leader who cared for his people.

Above all else, Ezra loved his family and friends. Whether golfing, fishing, driving his 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL, or enjoying Kenyon College baseball, he found joy in shared experiences and making people laugh. His family remembers him as genuine, kind, devoted, generous, and effortlessly hilarious — someone who made every room warmer the moment he entered it.

Ezra is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kristen; his children, Alexandra and Isaiah, and son-in-law, Ryan; five siblings; brothers-in-law, Lance, Ian and Richard; sisters-in-law Suki and Anna; five nieces and ten nephews; and three beloved poodles.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Routsong Centerville Chapel on October 27, 2026, at 4:30pm with a reception to follow at Gerber House Benham Grove at 6:00pm. No mourning clothes please: this is a celebration of Ezra’s amazing life! Ezra will be buried at the U. S. Air Force Academy Cemetery at 11:00am on October 30, 2026.

Rather than flowers or donations, the family hopes you will join us in honoring Ezra by sharing in fellowship, laughter, and remembrance. Condolences for the family may be sent to: 8951 Treeland Ln, Centerville, OH 45458.