LTC Vance Albert Loy, USA (Ret.), age 77, died December 29, 2007. The family will receive friends from 11a.m. to 12 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary on Thursday, January 3, 2008. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Vance was born to Vance and Gladys Loy in Darlington, South Carolina. On the day he received his degree from Clemson College, he was commissioned an officer in the U. S. Army, and, most importantly, was wed to Sara Gene McGraw. He served in the Army as a company commander, a helicopter pilot and a public health officer. He saw tours of duty in Korea, and Viet Nam, as well as stateside. Prior to his retirement as a lieutenant colonel, he earned both a Masters and Ph. D. in entomology. Those degrees served as the official indications of his devotion to life-long learning, but all that knew him witnessed a keen intellect that was always seeking challenges. After retirement, he developed into a master craftsman in wood artistry. Working primarily with South Texas' native mesquite, he won national recognition for his lathe-turned pieces and unique furniture designs. He was a gifted teacher who invested many hours tutoring and encouraging others through his artistic skill. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, brother, Bill and, sister, Margaret. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Sara Gene Loy; daughter, Donna and husband Paul Wilson of Jourdanton, Texas; daughter, Karen and husband Jim Wade of Houston; sister, Rachael Evans and brother, Jim Loy of South Carolina; grandchildren, Laura and husband Jarrod Slocum; John Wilson and Matthew Wade. Memorial contributions may be made to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, 2484 N. State Highway 46, Seguin, Texas, 78155.