Daryl was born June 24, 1948 (twin brother of Dale), the son of the late Dennis and Neoma (Moen) Vance in Williston ND. He attended grade school at Wheelock ND and graduated high school in Ray ND. Daryl then attended Dickinson State University obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Education and Art. While attending college in Dickinson he met his wife Esther (Heck). Esther and Daryl were married on January 28, 1972 and moved to Williston, ND. Daryl began working as a special deputy at the Williams County Sheriff’s Department until being hired by the Watford City Police Department later that same year. Daryl and Esther relocated to Watford City and Daryl began a long career with the Watford City Police Department. He retired as Chief of Police in 2010. Daryl and Esther also owned and operated a hotel in Watford City until they sold it a few years later and then relocated to Spearfish SD in 2015.
Daryl had numerous hobbies, interests, and other involvements. He was a member of the ND Peace Officers Association, ND Chiefs Association and served on a variety of boards including the Watford City School Board. He was a Hunters Safety Instructor for many years, a firearms instructor, and gun smith. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren's activities, hunting, fishing, shooting, carpentry, making fishing tackle, leather work, and knife making. Even as his health deteriorated, he kept himself busy and if there was a way to make it to a family event, he would be there.
Daryl and Esther have four children; Will Vance of Mandan ND, Jon Vance of Casper Wyoming, Kathy Vance of Spearfish SD and Stacy (Albert) Anderson of Fargo ND. They have 8 grandchildren; Blake & Devyn Vance; Camrynn, Addyson, and Ainslee Vance, Gracie, Kaia, and Vance Anderson.
Daryl passed away peacefully and was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, July 7th, 2021, in Spearfish, SD.
Daryl is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister Bonnie Barkie (Kalil), brothers LaVerne (Julianna), Jerald (Debbie), and Maryl (Donna); as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in his death by his twin brother, Dale; his parents Dennis and Neoma Vance, and brother Jerome Vance.
In nearly 40 years of law enforcement and public service Daryl had many people from the community and law enforcement that he loved as family.