WINTHROP – Vance Mitton Wheelock, 80, passed away at his home Jan. 29, 2021.

He was born in Augusta on June 27, 1940 to Leta Dinsmore Mitton and Leroy C. Wheelock. His faith in Christ was the foundation of his life. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, genuine heart and work ethic. His spirit greeted you with warmth, kindness and some “teasing” mixed in.

In his youth he worked on local farms, at the “shoe shop” and Damon’s Market in Augusta. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1958, serving a total of six years and was honorably discharged in 1966. He met and married Bobbi in 1967 and resided in Augusta, where they raised their family. He made lasting connections with his neighbors on Chase Avenue, with parishioners at Prince of Peace Lutheran church and the many people he met because of his giving heart. He could inspire any non-believer to believe and found joy in stewardship.

He started his career at Damon’s, eventually becoming partners with Leta, his mother, and brothers, David and Robert. In 1987, he decided to venture out on his own and opened Vance’s Place in downtown Winthrop. His fellowship continued at the “round table” and his business grew to include a bakery. He valued the relationships he made at Winthrop United Methodist Church, as well, with his neighbors on Memorial Drive and in with his current neighbors with whom he held near and dear. Vance was active in a variety of organizations over the years including the Masons, as a Shriner, a founding member of Kora Karts and was an Augusta Little League coach. He enjoyed many hobbies such as photography, bow hunting , fishing, traveling, golfing, snowmobiling, skiing, computers, clearing land, building rock walls and a collector of everything. Spending time with his grandchildren was his favorite pastime.

He is predeceased by his parents, Leroy Wheelock and Leta Mitton Wheelock Colson; son, Vance Mitton Wheelock, II; father and mother-in-law, James and June Stuard; sister, Patricia Wheelock Havey and brother-in-law, William M. Havey, brother-in-law, James Stuard.

He is survived by children, Randall Thomas and his partner, O.J. Robinson of Lincoln, N.H.; Heather Wheelock Hyatt and spouse Thaddeus K. Hyatt of Wayne and son, Thaddeus W. Hyatt; Amy Wheelock Berger and spouse Kurt A. Berger of Naples and son, Casey A. Berger. He is also survived by his three siblings and their spouses, David Wheelock and wife, Eva of Augusta, and their children Dennis, Leta, Brenda, Douglas and their respective spouses and children; Sandra Crockett and husband, Stephen of Winthrop and their children, Ned, Lynn, Belinda an their respective spouses and children; Robert “Whipper” Wheelock and his wife, Rita of Augusta and their children Robert and Damon and their spouse and partner; and 13 half-brothers and sisters from his father’s second marriage, Donna, Dianne, Joyce, Roy (deceased), Johnny (deceased), Billy, Lillian, Nancy (deceased), Florence, Phyllis, Carole, Ronald; aunt, Helen Mitten Larabee (100); sisters-in-law, Margaret Stuard of Anoka, Minn., and children Brian and Cory and their respective spouse and children; Lynda Oslund of Ramsey, Minn., daughter Carrie and respective spouse; and Marylou Hammond and her husband Tony of Lakeland, Fla. and their children Sommer and James and respective spouses and children.

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. A military burial in the spring of 2021 is being planned.

His family would like to thank you for all of the love and support they have received.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Donations can be made to

Tabitha’s Closet,

c/o Winthrop United Methodist Church

58 Main St.,

Winthrop, ME 04364