Francis “Fran” Vance Herin, 84, of Columbia went home to be with the Lord on May 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Open Door Church with the family receiving friends from 10:00 a.m. until time for the service. Entombment will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Francis “Fran” Vance Herin, 84, was born on January 30, 1942, to Bernice and William Herin. He grew up in Ferguson, Missouri, the eldest of nine children. The family’s home base was always Ferguson, a suburb of Saint Louis. During his childhood, he traveled frequently with his father, changing schools often, spending time in 29 different states as a child.

Fran graduated from Ferguson High School and began working at McDonnell Douglas, wiring and producing circuit boards for the Mercury and Gemini space programs. His craftsmanship became part of the earliest technology ever to leave Earth. He also wired F‑4 Phantom jets – aircraft that would serve the United States military for decades. He was involved in Civil Air Patrol where he met his wife, Marsha (Campbell) Herin who survives. The two were married January 30th, 1965 and moved briefly to Dodge City, Kansas, before settling in Columbia, Missouri where they would start their family and remain. They raised their four children: Scott, Tad, Amy, and Brent. Fran was a union carpenter before setting out on his own, founding Herin Construction. Construction work gradually gave way to work at United Parcel Service (UPS), where part time work turned into full-time work with greater opportunities.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, and camping. He could often be found at Missouri’s trout parks, testing a fly he had tied himself — though he was never above switching tactics to make sure he caught at least one fish. He was happiest hearing the hiss of Coleman lanterns, and cooking on a camp stove with loved ones.

His faith was central to his life. Fran was a member of Grace Bible Church from 1966 to 1990. In 1990, he became a charter member of Open Door Baptist Church, where he not only worshipped but helped build the church itself — even participating in setting the main beams that would support the sanctuary for generations to come. He also shared his love of the Lord as a camp counselor at Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp, influencing young lives.

After retiring, Fran devoted himself to his grandchildren. Whether performing his legendary goodbye dances in the front yard or passing down traditions he once shared with his own kids, he found joy in every moment he could make them smile.

Throughout his life, Fran left a legacy of craftsmanship, faith, humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, yet those who loved him take comfort in knowing they will be reunited with him in heaven in God’s perfect time.

Fran is survived by his wife, Marsha; children, Scott (Ginger), Tad (Kim), Amy (Jason) and Brent (Lianna); twelve grandchildren, Grant, Caleb, Bryce, Casey, Connor, Campbell, Taylor, Olivia, Victoria (Dalton), Madeline, Tabytha, and Lilly; siblings, Norma Schwenk (Joe), Becky Toews (Alfred), Debbie Meisenheimer (Eddie), Danny Herin, Roger Herin (Margie), Stephen (Betty), Paul Herin (Debbie).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and his wife, Kenny and Karen Herin and his sister-in-law, Nanette Herin.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Open Door Church, 4838 Meadow Lark Ln, Columbia, MO 65201 or Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp, 13489 Maries Rd 301, Vienna, MO 65582.

Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Herin family.