Dakota Brock Vance

Dakota Brock Vance

The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

June 15, 1987 - July 25, 2026

Some people leave behind memories. Dakota left behind stories.

Dakota Brock Vance, 39, of Glasgow, Kentucky, entered this world on June 15, 1987, and unexpectedly left it on July 25, 2026. Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made on the lives of those who knew and loved him will never fade.

Dakota was born and raised in Glasgow, Kentucky, where he built a life centered around hard work, unwavering loyalty, and the people he loved most. As Warehouse Supervisor at Clark Beverage Group, he earned the respect of those around him through his tireless work ethic, his leadership, and, as many of his coworkers would tell you with a smile, his ability to make sure everyone heard exactly what he had to say.

On October 16, 2009, Dakota married the love of his life, Jenilee. Together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and family. He was a devoted husband, an incredible father to his son, Logan Wade Vance, and already loved his unborn daughter, Remy Jean Vance, with all his heart. His greatest accomplishment was never found at work or in any hobby. It was the family he cherished above everything else.

Dakota never met a stranger for long. He loved to tease everyone around him, had a legendary sense of humor, and was well known for jokes that probably shouldn’t be repeated in polite company. If he could make someone laugh until they cried, his day was made. He had a personality that filled every room, and life was simply more entertaining when Dakota was in it.

He was a proud nerd through and through. Whether he was immersed in the Marvel Universe, quoting The Lord of the Rings, watching Harry Potter, cheering through Jurassic Park, or enjoying the action of John Wick, Dakota loved stories about courage, adventure, and loyalty. He was a dedicated PC gamer who formed friendships that stretched far beyond a screen.

When he wasn’t gaming, Dakota found peace on the water with a fishing pole in his hand, always hoping for the next big catch. He was also a passionate gun collector and former hunter who appreciated both the sport and the outdoors. His music playlists reflected his personality. Rap, country, gospel, rock… if he liked it, it was playing. And if there was hot, spicy food or pizza nearby, he was probably already helping himself.

Above everything else, Dakota loved fiercely. He was a protector by instinct, a provider by choice, and the first person his family and friends knew they could count on. Though he was the youngest sibling, he spent his life looking after the people he loved. He shared an especially close bond with his late mother, Phyllis, whose love shaped the man he became.

Dakota is survived by his loving wife, Jenilee Vance; his children, Logan Wade Vance and unborn daughter, Remy Jean Vance; his father, Don Vance (Rita Vance); his sister, Lacey Mayes (Matt Crumpton); his sister-in-law, Carissa Karnes (Scotty Karnes); his nieces and nephews, Ava Mayes, Mason Mayes, Katelyn Sutton, Lily Sutton, and Landon Sutton; his honorary brothers, Jon Courtney and Joe Matthews; his special cousin, Cheyenne Perkins; his special friends, Ashley Holland and Litraca Matthews; his aunt, Pat Price; his uncle, Steve Perkins; along with countless extended family members, coworkers, gaming friends, and lifelong friends whose lives are better because they knew him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Phyllis Perkins Martin.

Visitation for Dakota will be held Friday beginning at 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 12:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Rush Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Dakota wished for memorial contributions to be made to the Prion Alliance, supporting research into prion diseases that deeply affected his family, or to BRAWA, helping provide care and shelter for animals in need.

Heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they wear work boots, carry a fishing pole, build gaming PCs, tell terrible jokes, and love their families with everything they have.

Dakota was our hero.

His story will continue to live on in every laugh he inspired, every lesson he taught, every memory he left behind, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to love him.