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Doran Vancil
Samuel Doran Vancil’s story began May 15, 1934, at 444 N. Walnut St. and at the age of 90, he departed this life surrounded by his loved ones, July 2, 2024, in his home at 422 N. Walnut St. in Dexter, Missouri.
Doran was born in his family home now fondly called the Sally House, to the late Ralph and Virl “Sally” Vancil, in Dexter. Doran graduated from Dexter High School in 1952, and married the love of his life Wanda Louise Vancil, June 6, 1954. They shared 69 years of beautiful marriage. Wanda went to her Heavenly home in January of 2023. Doran and Wanda had four beautiful children, Bruce Vancil, John Vancil, Wade Vancil and Angela Vancil. John, Bruce and Wade left this world prior to Doran and Wanda. What a beautiful reunion that must have been.
Doran was a lifelong citizen of Stoddard County. He joined the Army National Guard in 1953, he was in the 140th infantry. In April 1967, he was honorably discharged from service as Master Sergeant over Weapons. During his lifetime in Dexter, he was a City Alderman, Elks Lodge member, member of Hidden Trails Country Club, MHCA member, and a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter. Doran worked for over 30 years at Lucas Florist on Walnut Street and then went into long-term care. He opened 37 nursing homes in his 40-year career as a nursing home administrator. He became Owner and Operator at Gideon Care Center, in Gideon Missouri in 1990. Nursing Care was a way of life for Doran and has since become the same for his family as the legacy he built, brought them into the business as well. Doran cared for every resident, employee, and resident family member as if they were his own. You knew when you entered his facility that you were at home. In 2006, Doran opened Winchester Assisted Facility, in Bernie, Missouri. Being able to bring the level of exceptional care into another town that truly needed it brought him such Joy. At 85 years old, Doran did what others might have thought was a little crazy. He built and opened Winchester Skilled in Bernie, next to his assisted living facility. It is a stunning 40 bed facility and he overseen the entire process of building and opening. He wanted it perfect for his residents. Not only did it do amazing after they opened, but he also filled every bed and had a waiting list within three months. He retired in 2022, at the age of 88.
Doran was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Virl “Sally Vancil”; his wife, Wanda Louise Vancil; his three sons, John, Bruce and Wade; his brothers, John A Vancil and Ralph Vancil; and his sisters, Evelyn Jean Vancil and Marta Jo Dunlap.
He is survived by one daughter, Angela Jones and husband, Don; daughter-in-law, Kathy Vancil (married to the late Bruce Vancil); daughter-in-law, April Vancil (married to the late Wade Vancil); grandchildren, Matthew Vancil and wife, Faith Vancil, Jeffery Hull, Ashley Vancil, Bailey Sells, Ben Sells and wife, Leigh Sells. As well as by his great-grandchildren, Clayton McGowan, Aidan McGowan, Liam McGowan, Aubrey Sells and Nora Sells.
Doran is leaving a legacy of love, compassion, care and strength for all those he left behind. May we find peace in knowing he was reunited with many loved ones who went before him and is dancing with his sweet Wanda Lou again in the Heavenly sky.
Funeral services were conducted at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter Saturday, July 6, 2024. Interment followed in the Dexter Cemetery.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.