Traverse City, Michigan - Traverse City - Vincent Elliott Estes, 46, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025 at the Summerfield Adult Foster Care Home.

Vincent was born on December 20, 1978, the beloved son of Rhonda (Holt) and Michael Estes.

Vincent had a remarkable impact on countless people from all walks of life. Following his closed head injury, he and his whole family participated in a stringent therapy program called the Doman Delacoto Therapy technique. Hundreds of volunteers from all over town, churches, neighbors, friends and relatives helped to pattern Vincent with the hope of rerouting and patterning brain pathways.

Vincent was a nature lover. He loved to watch the wind in the trees, the sparkle of the sun reflecting on the water. He was able to participate in Camp-Roy-El experiences which were incredible opportunities for him and dozens of other children with disabilities. His dad took him on fishing and hunting excursions along with his granddad Holt.

Vincent was a proud graduate of the Adult Work Center. His favorite color was yellow and he loved music. His two favorite songs were Yellow Submarine and Take Me Out to the Ballgame! He loved it when his mom would sing to him. On his many road trips to Florida he loved listening to Dolly Parton and Enya. He had an infectious smile that lit up the room. He had a great sense of humor. Vincent was full of surprises. He would laugh at the most appropriate times and at the most inappropriate of jokes. He also loved babies and animals, especially dogs. He loved it when his nephews would place rabbits on his lap to pet. He loved petting their silky soft chickens as well. Vincent enjoyed sailing in the TACS program and going on walks at the Civic Center, Silver Lake Recreation Trail and at the Botanic Gardens.

Vincent was also a gifted artist and his family will treasure his artwork forever. He had his own technique. When his mom held the paintbrush in his hand magic happened. His arm would relax to allow large sweeping motions. He would watch the painting materialize, smiling the whole time.

Vincent was a teacher here on earth. He taught everyone who came in contact with him unconditional love, patience, tolerance and endurance. Vincent was deeply loved by all who knew him. He lived at Summerfield AFC for 27 years. His parents are eternally grateful for the loving care he received from countless dedicated staff members over the years. Deep appreciation also goes to the endless list of medical professionals who have administered to Vincent's needs throughout his glorious lifetime. Vincent will be greatly missed.

Vincent is survived by his parents, Michael and Rhonda; his sisters Julia (Sean) Lewis and Meryl (Alex) Brydges; and nieces and nephews Ethan, Grace, Lucas, Charlotte, Avery and Linden, his grandmother Viola Ustes and many extended family members, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his Grandfather, Marcus Holt Jr., Grandfather Walter Ustes, Grandmother Martha Janette Holt and Uncles Marcus Harvey Holt and Randall Monroe Holt.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11 am with visitation beginning at 10 am at Mission Hill (Formerly First Congregational Church). Lunch will follow. He will be laid to rest by his family at the Garden of Remembrance at Mission Hill Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be directed to The Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park where Vincent loved to visit and gave guidance on their handicap paths and ramps.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your condolences with his family.