Vance Bakeman

Vance was a Chemical Engineer for WR Grace for 37 years. His expertise and dedication lead to him being named VP of Environmental Affairs. In that role, Vance literally traveled around the world overseeing WR Grace’s global operations.

Vance was born in 1931 in Castine, Maine to Keith Bakeman and Gladys Gray. He, along with his older sister Serita, grew up on the family farm overlooking East Penobscot Bay. His love for Maine continued when he entered the class of ‘53 at the University of Maine. After graduating, he proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Army, assigned to the Chemical Warfare Unit.

Vance moved to Portsmouth, Ohio after being stationed in Paduka, Kentucky. While working in the Atomic Energy Program, Vance met a young teacher named Helen Coyle. They married on November 23, 1957. Vance and Helen enjoyed over 50 years of marriage together. Vance and Helen had 3 children and lived in several different states throughout their marriage.

Vance was predeceased by his wife Helen (Coyle) in 2014. He is survived by his 3 children; Gregory C. (Kathleen) Bakeman of Bordentown, NJ, Geoffrey H. (Jill) Bakeman of Doylestown, PA and Jennifer Bakeman (Dan) Bennett of Colchester, CT, eight grandchildren; Brittany, Melanie, J.R., Geoffrey, Bryan, Zachary, Jack and Deron, four great grandchildren; Ryan, Brooks, Tyler and Sean, niece Belinda (Peter) O’Brien, grand-niece Mary Katherine O’Brien, niece Cynthia (Vern) Payne, and grand-nephew Chris Payne. In addition, Vance is survived by his companion Barbara Oak, his beloved dog Luna and many dear friends.

Vance was a devoted church parishioner, (Westminster Presbyterian Church), a passionate patron of the arts, especially dear to his heart was the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, a gifted gardener, an avid reader, a foodie and a confectionary enthusiast. Vance cherished his family and friends, and loved to tell people about his Bakeman heritage and adventures. All who knew him benefited from his generosity, loyalty and decency. He was one of a kind, a “character” and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held at Rolling Green Village 1 Hoke Smith Blvd. Greenville, SC 29615 (follow signs to the Village Center) on Sunday July 28, 2024 at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greenville Symphony 200 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 greenvillesymphony.org/donate