Honoring Vincent's Journey
Every memory shared is a thread in the beautiful tapestry of a life well-lived. We invite you to contribute your personal photos, stories, and tributes to help us capture the full depth of the impact Vincent had on those around him.
" I Remember meeting Vince for the first time when he worked at youth, emergency services and shelter. Anytime I would pass him in the hall, he always had a smile on his face. A smile that brightened everyone’s day. The kids he mentored were able to find trust, respect and safety whenever they were with him. To Vince’s family, I am very sorry for you loss. Vince was truly an amazing person inside and out. May he rest in peace and be your guardian angel and may his memory, hard work and dedication to his community never be for gotten. May his kind heart live on through his daughters. With as much love as he had for them, there will always be a part of Vince that will stay with you forever."
Brooke terry
"As products of DMPS, Vincent and I were rivals first in many sports, but over time we became friends. Despite our crosstown rivalry, Vincent was always a stand up guy. Whenever we crossed paths, we made sure to embrace each other and catch up. He was a genuinely good human being who truly cared about this community, and you can see that through the impact and legacy he left behind in basketball. It’s not often that someone who comes through Des Moines Public Schools returns to pour so much back into the same system that helped raise them. Vincent did exactly that. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his beautiful daughters, and everyone whose life he touched.
Rest in peace, Vincent."
"He was my teacher for ijag class and he always supported me and my dreams. He was always looking for ways to help me and others. He was a great teacher who truly cared about his students. May he rest in peace"
QUINTON
Memory Wall
A collective space for the stories, tributes, and cherished moments that define Vincent's legacy.
"Thank you for gracing my life with so much love and laughter! For creating so many wonderful memories together from kids to adults you were a truly amazing person. You never dimmed someone else’s light to shine bright and you always fixed my crown went you seen it tilted!!! I love you friend and my heart is truly broken. From Excalibur to Merrill to Roosevelt and even grandview when neither one of us went there …. you really shook our entire community with this and I owe you a knuckle sandwich too!!! My prayers to your parents the girls and your fiancée. "
antionnette
"Man he was good teacher at mccombs in tell he switched schools but i remember telling him that i would not do the work in his class We would alway make joke"
mari crayton
"Vince was a great soul who had a lasting impact on so many players, and especially on me as a coach. He had a way of calming people down and making them laugh, even on their toughest days.
I had the privilege of coaching alongside him for years. His demeanor was always calm and patient, and the way he coached made players truly understand where he was coming from. He never came across as just a coach—he was a father figure, a mentor, and a friend who genuinely cared.
Vince was committed to his players both on and off the court. He always showed up for them and made sure they knew they were supported. I’ll always cherish the memories, conversations, and laughs we shared throughout the years.
It’s heartbreaking to see him gone so soon, but he passed doing what he loved. We all cared deeply about him, and this loss has hit home for so many of us. He will be greatly missed, but his impact and legacy will live on through everyone he touched. "
"One of my all time favorite memories with Vince was when I was in 6th grade and Vince was in 7th. His dad Coach Hanna was coaching the team with Vince, bubba, and james. We were scared of these dudes and looked up to them because they were so good with so much swag. Halfway through this game, Vince got a steal for a layup and our teammate went to take a charge. Vince took upon himself to enter into a mythical human being by stepping on his chest and elevating even higher to having his hand above the rim and layed it in. The entire gym went speechless seeing Vince do that move. Man was the 5’4 Vince Carter! Two of my favorite things about this moment: 1. We ended up upsetting our idols, which turned into a brotherhood competition vibe that carried us through our high school years. 2. I got to share this story a month ago with Vince and his players that didn’t believe Vince had hops like that.
One of my all time favorite people that I had the pleasure of growing up with. A true leader of young men, great human, loving partner and father, and role model for people of all ages. I will always cherish our memories together. Continue to be the light for your family in the midst of the trying time. I love you Vince "
bailey johnson
"Your life was a blessing and your memory is a treasure. I’m so grateful I had the chance to know and love you. I look back on the fun moments we had in the iJAG class. You did so much to better the lives of the youth and the community. Your legacy lives on. You will be missed dearly"
denis scott