Gene Vann

Sidney “Gene” Vann, 90, of Topeka died on June 9, 2023.   He was born June 11, 1932 in Quinter, Kansas to Sidney A. and Florence Boitnott Vann.  He went to grade school at Overbrook, Kansas.   Gene graduated from Dover High School in 1950.

He served in the Korean War from 1952 until 1954, then was honorably discharged from Fort Carson, Colorado as a Sargent from the US. Army.

Gene retired from Goodyear with 38 years of service in 1988.  He was a member of the United Rubber Workers Union #307.

He married Wanda June Coen on March 24, 1956 at Garnett, Kansas.   They celebrated 67 years of marriage.

Gene enjoyed hunting deer, elk, moose and bear in Wyoming from 1964 until 1999.   He also served as a guide for Summit Safaris.  Gene was always willing to lend a hand to help local farmers and ranchers, but seldom would ask for any help for himself.  He also loved his horses and mules.   Gene enjoyed rebuilding and showing off his 1956 520 John Deere Tractor.

He is survived by his wife, June Vann of Topeka; son Kim Vann (Reggie Baker); granddaughter, Ashley Coirier (Jess) of Maple City, Kansas; great-grandsons, Kip, Clayton and a third great grandson due this fall; sister, Mary Logan of Burlington; nephews, Bob Logan of Burlington, Carlin Eyman (Pat) of Topeka; nieces, Barbara Sowder (Jack) of Burlington, Chery Eyman of Bixby, Oklahoma and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Sidney and Florence Vann and a brother-in-law Marion Logan.

On Tuesday, Gene will lie in state from 11-5 at the Davidson Funeral Home.   Graveside services and military honors will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 14th at the Dover Cemetery.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Gene Vann Memorial Fund, proceeds will be determined later.  www.davidsonfuneral.com