CONWAY – David Martin Vann, 79, died at his home in the Milwaukee Community on August 31, 2016 after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.

A native of “Newtown” in the Ashley’s Grove area, Mr. Vann was retired from the United States Army where he spent two tours in Viet Nam and taught Helicopter Mechanics to the soldiers until his retirement from the Army. He later would retire from the Union Camp Corporation where he worked in the Maintenance Department. Mr.Vann loved to fly, especially, a Cessna 172, in which he spent many delightful hours.

Mr. Vann was a member of Ashley’s Grove Baptist Church and he was a Master Mason in Pendleton Lodge No. 524. Mr. Vann especially loved Purple Martins and had many gourds hanging in the family yard to attract these delightful birds.

Survivors include his wife of almost 59 years, Vera Ellen Galloway Vann of their home; children, Vera Ricks (Anthony) of Conway, David Q. Vann (Diane) of Conway, Loretta Clark (Mike) of Littleton, and Danny Vann (Sondra) of Conway; grandchildren, Chris Vann, Heather Knight, Michael Clark, Lindy Clark, Dana Vann, and Bailey Vann; great grandchildren, Wyatt Reese, Braxton Knight, and Gabriel Knight; and brothers, Albert Vann, Ray Vann, and Kenneth Vann.

A visitation for Mr. Vann will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 4, 2016 in Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc., 605 West Main Street, Conway, followed by a funeral service there at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. David Ross officiating. Interment will be in the Ashley’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery after the funeral service.

The family has requested that anyone wishing to share a gift in Mr. Vann’s memory, please do so to the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, NC.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.bridgersfuneralhome.com.