Vance Tripp

Vance D. Tripp, 84, of Britt, formerly Kanawha, passed away Monday, August 31, 2026, at Hancock County Health Systems in Britt.

Graveside service with military honors at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Amsterdam Township Cemetery in Kanawha.

Celebration of Life for Vance Tripp immediately following interment with Celebration of Life service to be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Ewing Funeral Home, 118 East Second Street in Kanawha. Celebration will continue after the service until 4:00 PM.

Vance Dudley Tripp, the son of Stanley and Myrna (Hughes) Tripp, was born on July 18, 1942, in Clarion, Iowa. He grew up in Kanawha, where he attended school.

After high school, Vance enlisted in the United States Navy and obtained his GED. He served as an Engineman First Class and was a Navy diver, also. Vance served two tours of duty during the Vietnam Conflict. Vance was one of the first underwater welders. He was credited for brainstorming and implementing a way to change the Navy ship’s propellers underwater, thereby eliminating the need to dry dock the ship. He was commended for his underwater salvage work. He was one of a handful of divers who could operate the hyperbaric chamber, also. Vance proudly and dutifully served his country for 30 years.

After returning to Kanawha, Vance was fortunate enough to find happiness with Gloria Day. The couple made their home outside of Kanawha on the farm place before later moving into town and getting married. Vance drove semi-trucks and helped the local farmers haul grain. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, participating in the local Rendezvous, and the stock car races. He was a member of the Kanawha American Legion and was part of the color guard in the Memorial and Labor Day parades for years.

Vance was a kind and generous man and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He would do anything for his family and friends. He was someone they could always count on. Late in life, Vance found out he had a daughter, Evalyn. Unfortunately, due to his decline in health they were unable to meet in person.

Vance will be remembered for his willingness to help others, his strong work ethic, and the care he showed to those around him. And no one can forget his frugality and dry sense of humor!

He is survived by his daughter, Evalyn (John) McInnes; his grandchildren, Kaylee (Hayden) Coe, Evianna, and Declan McInnes; his great grandchildren Karter and Haisley; his siblings Dennis (Micki) Tripp, Dean Tripp, Marcia Larson, and Sheila Marzen along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Tripp; his parents, Stanley and Myrna Tripp; his sister, Sandy Christiansen; and his brother-in-law, Franklin Larson.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Westview Care Center and the doctors and staff at Hancock County Health Systems in Britt who provided care to Vance over the years and in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of/memory of Vance D. Tripp to The American Legion Post 0077 in Kanawha or Westview Care Center in Britt or Hancock County Health Systems in Britt.

Ewing Funeral Home in Kanawha is in charge of arrangements.