Warren Vann

"Vann" was born on February 2, 1917, in Fort Scott, KS, the 8th of 10 children born to Cicero and Ella Mae (West) Vann. When he was very young, his family moved to Taylor, Texas, where he lived until he joined the Army in 1934 at the age of 17. He began his military service as an infantryman, but due to his mechanical aptitude was soon transferred to the Army Air Corps. During WWII, he worked at defense plants as his skill with developing aircraft engines was required on the home front. Vann met and married Della McFarland in 1940. They made their home in Southern California for the next few years. During this time their two children were born. The family moved about 30 times in the next 10 years before finally settling in Edmonds, WA. Vann was always a mechanic, but his skills were much broader. Over the years he assisted with building and remodeling homes, church buildings and camp structures as well as coming to the rescue when things went haywire anywhere. His true calling was to help where help was needed. He had many friends who loved and appreciated him. Vann also had a love of animals and always had a dog as a friend and companion. In 1966 Vann had an opportunity to work with Girl Scout Totem Council. He and Della moved out to Camp Lyle McLeod up Elfendahl Pass on the Kitsap Peninsula where Vann was the camp ranger for the next 5 or 6 years. While working at the Girl Scout camp, Vann also was a dispatcher for the Sheriff's department. They enjoyed their time there and when it was over, they moved to Allen. In 1979 he retired from the Carpenter's Union and he and Della set out traveling across the United States and Canada for the next 7 years, finally parking their R.V. on the Old Belfair Highway in Belfair next door to their daughter. They lived at that location for the rest of their lives. After establishing themselves in the Belfair location, Vann and Della became active in the Senior Programs at the Theler Center. They had also been active members of the International Order of Foresters for many years. Vann was an eager participant in the worship services and other activities at the Shelton Church of Christ as was his wife, Della. He spent many hours helping with the church's building project. As Della's physical condition deteriorated, they began attending church in Port Orchard since the drive was shorter and easier on Della. Vann threw himself into the work and enjoyed the fellowship there. Vann was devoted to Della and made many sacrifices on her behalf as her health waned. Her passing in January of 2006 was a huge loss for him. Vann will be greatly missed by his son, David and daughter-in-law M.J. Vann of Couer D'lene, ID, his daughter, Guyla, of Belfair, his three grand children and their spouses, Aaron and Patricia Vann of Parkersburg W.Va, Karen and Sean Adams of Round Rock, Texas and Robin and Eldon Faske of Woodinville, WA. He will be missed also by his seven great grand children, Ashley, Analisa, Aaron Joshua, Ayden and Adalaide Vann of Parkersburg, W. Va and Damon and Alexis Adams of Round Rock Texas. A memorial service will be held at Port Orchard Church of Christ, 2585 Carr Lane SE, Port Orchard, WA at 1 PM Wednesday June 11.