Funeral services for Ottis Harold Vann, 81, Charlotte, North Carolina, will be 11 am, Thursday, December 8, 2022, at First Regular Missionary Baptist Church. A Visitation will be from 6-7 pm, Wednesday, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
He passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.
Ottis Harold Vann was born October 16, 1941, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He departed this life on November 29, 2022. He was the son of the late Elmer and Mildred Vann. He would have celebrated 49 years of marriage with his beloved wife Bessie Vann last Thursday December 1, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memories to his siblings; Donna Mitchell, Lawrence; Duane (Brenda) Vann, Kansas City, KS; Leonard (Willa) Vann, Raytown, MO; James (Madolyn) Vann, Lawrence; Craig Vann, Lawrence; Bryan (Junko) Vann, San Bruno, California; Sheila Vann, Lawrence. And his children Rochelle (William) Howard, Galveston Texas; Colette Vann, Lawrence; Steven (Kimberly) Vann, Charlotte, NC; Frank (Guadalupe Patricia) Hatchett III, Houston, TX; and Eric (Cortney) Vann, Charlotte, NC. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren along with a host of other family and dear friends. His brother Dalton T. Vann preceded him in death.
Ottis accepted Christ at an early age. He was a Sunday school teacher, member of the choir, and a Trustee at various Churches throughout his life. This commitment to Christ allowed him the opportunity to introduce friends and family to Christ as well.
He started his career at Norris Brothers Plumbing. During this period of his life, he ran for a seat on the Lawrence School board. Although he lost, he realized the potential he had to go on a journey that was higher than his own expectations. He quickly learned that his gift to connect with people would allow him a career in the Automotive Industry. That decision led him to become the first Black Ford dealer in the Central United States in 1982. He went on to own Vantage Ford in El Dorado KS, Lima Lincoln Mercury in Lima OH, Vantage Lincoln Mercury and Queen City Lincoln Mercury both located in Charlotte NC.
As he gained confidence and started to exceed his own expectations for his career, he guided others to take the same path. He made a point to make sure others knew they could succeed no matter their background. That confidence led him to be on Ford Motor Company’s Minority Dealer Board which allowed him to help minority dealers with issues he had already encountered.
Ottis enjoyed golf and was the King of the long drive competitions. He also loved dining at fine restaurants, following sports and debating his passionate opinions about all things sports related.
Ottis had a very vibrant personality, which was obvious to all that met him. He was always the life of the party and never left anyone out. His charisma was contagious to all who encountered him and he enjoyed his interactions with everyone. He is enjoying his reunion in heaven with his family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
To Steve Vann and family, my prayer are with you all. My deepest sympathy to the entire Vann family.
To the Vann family, our heartfelt Condolences and Sympathy to you all. My mom was a childhood friend of the Donna’s. The entire Vann family was dear to my Scott family. I have precious Memories of 1st Regular with Bessie, Frank and Eric too. Otis will forever be in our ? hearts. Hold on to the PRECIOUS MEMORIES, NO ONE CAN take them from you. May the God of Peace Comfort you in the hours,days and months ahead. Much Love ❤️ to you all from Albert Gordon Scott Family.
I only knew Otis for a short time. We worked together at a restaurant/bar on 23rd street back in the 60’s. Every day, after the place closed, Otis would try to teach this hopelessly white girl, to dance. I think it was the “uptown” he was trying to teach me. He was so open, good humored, and a tease. I send my condolences to all of his loved ones (especially Leonard and Duane who I know personally). I can’t begin to imagine the loss you must feel of this spectacular, warm, loving man. He has always had a special place in my heart.
Dear Bessie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve the loss of such a great man. We have the best memories of Eric and our Matt in sports together in ElDorado. Tom so enjoyed time spent with Ottis on many projects. May precious memories fill the empty places in your hearts, especially in this holy season. Much love, Tom and Kathy Spicer and Family
Condolences to Bessie, Frank & Eric & family. RIP Oat my old buddy & classmate.
Kyle and Julie Stevens send their love and condolences to Bessie and all of the Vann Family. Ottis was a legend in our household and will remain that way. Ottis was a great mentor and friend never to be forgotten.
Our prayers are with you. May the Lord fill your hearts with His peace in Jesus name ?
Our deepest condolences to the Vann family. May God provide you
comfort and healing during your time of need.
Can not think of Otis without smiling and remembering his kind heart & good sense of humor. LHS Class of 1959 will miss him!
Bessie and entire Vann family, we pray God’s Comforting arm’s around you Strengthening you today and everyday that follows. We celebrate a life lived honorably and well therefore Cherishing your memories will bring comfort and peace. Love and Prayers
Dear Family,
Please know that our thoughts are with you and will continue to be. May Ottis rest in peace and my you all find comfort in the days ahead.
Our Mother was the late (Christine Vann- Wrench-Anthony.
Mr. Kim R. Wrench
Ms. Winnie J. Ayers
Mr. Edmond Wrench
Kansas City
Sending love and prayers to the Vann family. John 5:28, 29
Our condolences to the family. Both Sue and I when to junior and senior high with Ottis. Outstanding individual.
Please accept my deepest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.
OTTIS WAS A FINE MAN AND BACK IN THE DAYS AT NORRIS BROTHERS, AS VERY GOOD FRIEND. ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND A GOOD WORD FOR EVERYONE HE KIND OF TOOK ME UNDER HIS WING, A YOUNG NEWLYWED, AND KU STUDENT. NOT AN EASY PLACE TO WORK, BUT HE MADE THE DAYS “BETTER” ALTHOUGH OUR PATHS HAVE NOT CROSSED IN MANY YEARS, I STILL HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF OTTIS AND HIS LARGER THAN LIFE SMILE WHICH ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE THERE. MAY THE GOD HE SERVED, CONTINUE TO COMFORT THE VANN FAMILY. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL……….
Just a great man and a good friend for 20 years. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family ?
Our deepest condolences to the Ottis Vann family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you.
Our deepest condolences to the Ottis Vann family. You all are in our prayers.
My God Continue To keep You In His Loving Arms. To Mr. Vann Children Wife And Sister And Brothers. Our Deepest Condolences To You.
Deepest condolence from the Shields family
Otis was one of a kind that’s for sure. While I haven’t seen him for years he actually has been in my thoughts lately. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bessie and the entire Vann family. This world will surely miss his amazing smile. Our loss is certainly heavens gain. God Speed my friend.
Oh, Ottis how we reveled in your stories and sweet Bessie would sit there smiling. We will miss you!
How precious a memory of sharing this last ThanksLiving Day with you,Bessie & Eric’s family.
We will keep you in our hearts and Bessie in our prayers.
So sorry to hear of Otis passing. We know Heaven is npw even a better place with his presence. Love to all John and Suzie Norman
We are sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
What a treasure. From day one on the baseball diamond, Otis told us, rookies, to address him as Mr. Vann which I did with respect until we last saw one each other at a golf outing. To Duane, Leonard, Craig and the entire family I share your loss. Martin Owens
Condolences to the Vann family at this very difficult time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
My thoughts and prayers are with the Vann Family. I have fond memories of working with Ottis for 6 years.
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Know that God understand your grief. Look to him through his word the Bible. He promises to undo death and provide a happy reunion by means of the resurrection. Our thoughts and prayers are with y’all… The Dillahunty’s
Love and condolences to the Vann family. May the Most Highest wrap you in his loving arms and give you the support and strength for you loss. Much love to you all!!!
Otis was a special person and will be missed by many. His laugh, his kindness and his overall personality made him a true gem.
From the Galloway family my god give u strength family he knows how much we can bare never good bye always I’ll see u in the morning
My thoughts and prayers to the entire Vann family
Sometimes mere words just aren’t enough. Take away your grief, So we rely on God for help. And strength in our belief. May He uplift you gently, Take the sorrow
That you bear, Then comfort you with healing In the safety of His care.
0ur heartfelt condolences to the Vann family, God’s blessings, love you all
To my Vann Family, Louis and I are sending our heartfelt condolences. Just know that he is now in a better place. Loving you always. Linda and Louis Tolbert
My deepest sympathies to the Vann family. May God bless you in your time of need. May all the good memories see you through.
What a loss. My heartfelt sympathies to the entire Vann family. You were a treasure, I’ll miss you old friend.