Valance E Pike

Valance E. Pike, a beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at the age of 87, following a brief stay in the hospital. Born on January 9, 1939, in the picturesque town of Gloucester, Massachusetts, Valance was the beloved child of Valance E. Pike Sr. and Evelyn May Swanson. Valance's journey through life was one of dedication, love, and unwavering commitment to his family and country. He embarked on an impressive 26-year military career reaching the rank of Chief Master Sergeant before retiring, serving in the United States Air Force from August 1956 until April 1982. It was during these formative years that he met and married Alice Jean Robertson in 1958. Together, they spent 55 wonderful years, raising three children and exploring the vast landscapes of the United States as they traveled from one duty station to another. Their shared adventures and mutual support laid the foundation for a family deeply rooted in love and resilience. Sadly, Alice passed away in 2014. After Alice's passing, Valance found love once more, marrying Evelyn C. Pike in 2015. They shared a decade of companionship filled with joy, traveling the open roads of the Arizona desert, living the RV lifestyle they both cherished. Together, they were active members of an RV church community, where Valance found joy strumming his bass guitar and singing alongside fellow travelers and friends. Valance's dedication to lifelong learning was evident early on when he left high school to join the Air Force, later earning his GED while stationed in Guam. His thirst for knowledge never waned; he amassed a comprehensive collection of educational certificates throughout his career, always encouraging his children to pursue their passions and nurture their intellect. Following his military service, Valance enjoyed a fulfilling 22-year career at Boeing Aerospace Company in materials management, where he contributed significantly to the military side of the company. His commitment to service extended beyond the workplace, as he volunteered as a Reserve Police Officer with the Sedgwick County Police Department, embodying his steadfast dedication to helping others. Valance is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Jean, his son Richard Earl, his siblings William Edward, Diana Faye, and James Russell, his half-brothers John Harry Swanson and Earl Dana, and his parents, Evelyn May and Valance Sr. He leaves behind a rich legacy, survived by his devoted wife, Evelyn, his daughters Katherine A. Thomas and Kelly A. Kinder, his siblings Marie, Janice, Christine, and Stephen, and a loving family that includes four grandchildren—Jameson, Dustin, and Taylor Kinder, and Shawna Pike—and eleven great-grandchildren. Valance's life was a testament to the values of service, family, and the pursuit of knowledge. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his memory will be cherished by his family and friends who had the privilege of sharing in his journey. As we remember Valance, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by love, integrity, and an enduring spirit.