Vance "Tres" Rich
December 24, 2022
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Service Details
Vance “Tres” Rich, 71, of Wallace, North Carolina was called to be with his Heavenly Father on December 24, 2022. He is survived by his former wife, Anna Lea, of 37 years. Together they had two sons, Tony and Nick Rich, who live in West Des Moines, Iowa. A private service will be held at a later date in North Carolina.
Tres had an epiphany when he was in the 11th grade. Tres’ lifelong love of music and guitars began one evening in the back of this uncle’s grocery store in Wallace, NC. That evening proved to be the start of a journey and a way of life for him. He was not fully aware of it then, but he had embarked upon a fascinating, frustrating, wonderful, heart breaking and rewarding journey that he still travelled on until the Lord called him home.
Tres had been playing with many bands and showbands when he decided to make Des Moines home. He was a long-time employee at Allied then Nationwide Insurance. He was fortunate to be in Trademark, which was a house band at Riccelli’s Mainliner while attending Law school at Drake University. When Trademark ended, Tres was in a dance band called Freestyle for 20 plus years which led them to be inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association Hall of Fame in Okoboji, IA in 2015.
Tres returned to NC in 2009. He worked for the county in the department of Child Services in Kinston until he retired in 2018. During those years he also joined the show group Golden Oldies. They performed shows February – August and performed Christmas shows with Down Home Country at the Duplin Winery in Rose Hill, NC. Tres was blessed to meet, play and have lasting friendships. In his words, ‘It’s like a big family’. Tres was very happy that his sons inherited and shared his love of music and was able to perform as a ‘special guest’ in their band.
The music will play on!
Tres will be greatly missed by Anna Lea, Tony, Nick, Alyssa, his family back home and many special friends for his humor, musical talents and just being an all-around great guy. We love you Tres and believe you are playing music now with your Heavenly Family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Cindy Rich Sprouse
05/06/2023
I know heaven is enjoying more music with Tre playing and Uncle Vance playing along as they share their talents as a family. We are sorry for your loss and we celebrate his life with you. We know he will be missed by all that met him and spent time with him. You have our sympathy and prayers. Cindy and Juanita Rich.
Bruce Martin, Des Moines
05/06/2023
Tres was a wonderful person--kind, talented and witty. I played piano with him for many years and in many settings, and he was always great to work with. I miss seeing him and sympathize greatly with the family's loss.
Susan Ward Martin
01/02/2023
From yet another classmate, you can be sure that Tres is fondly remembered by all of us. He was both smart and kind and always fun to be in class with. I was glad to have had a chance to chat with him at our reunion. Thinking of your whole family with deepest sympathy!
Maureen Patterson
01/01/2023
I am so sorry for your loss!! I know Tres will be missed by many but happy to hear the love for music has been passed on.
Susan Richards Frederick
12/30/2022
Tres brought much laughter, humor and humility to our high school class. I was always in line behind him alphabetically ( Rich/Richards) throughout school. Such a fun classmate. To his family I send my sincere condolences and prayers as they all grieve his loss.
Faye Brinkley Nielsen
12/30/2022
My condolences to the family of Tres. As a classmate I remember Tres as a humorous guy yet kind and respectful to all. I wish peace in your hearts as you journey through the wonderful memories shared by all.
Gail Rich
12/29/2022
Tres was a great older brother. My heart is broken. I have many great memories of him, and all of my life my teachers knew me as Tres's sister. I was so very proud of him of all he accomplished in life. He will be greatly missed.
Emily James Rivenbark
12/29/2022
As a high school classmate and friend, I will always remember Tres' as a gentleman with a kind heart. To the Rich family and all the extended family of music groups, Steve and I pray that God will fill your hearts with peace and beautiful memories. So blessed to have known Tres'.
Jerry and Judi Peoples
12/29/2022
Anna Lea,Tony and NickWe are so very sorry for the heartbreaking passing of Tre. We cant imagine the shock and sense of loss you must be feeling.He was a wonderful,complex,amazing man. His sense of humor was so endless and intelligent! His music meant so much to him and he did it so very well. I know how much he cared for and loved you all .I will forever be Blessed and honored to have known him,know you,shared so much great great music, and most important, shared his friendship! We will be praying for Peace and healing for you all.Much Love, Jerry and Judi.