Luther Curtis "Sonny" Vann Jr.

Luther Cutis "Sonny" Vann, Jr., age 86, of Mabelvale, Arkansas, passed away Monday, January 24, 2011. He was born December 31, 1924, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Luther and Mabel Vann. A Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Luther served in both World War II and the Korean War. He was an excellent mechanic and retired in 1987 from ABF. Luther was a Shiner and a member of Mabelvale United Methodist Church. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling, reading western books, working crossword puzzles and telling jokes to make others laugh. Luther loved to "get up and go anywhere". A loyal and loving husband, father and grandfather, he will be deeply missed. In addition to his parents, Luther was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Vann; one daughter, Sheree Newman; and one sister, Mary Elinor Schott. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Norma Watson Vann; one daughter, Dianne Summers and husband Bob of Benton, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Suzanne Leonard of Monticello, Arkansas, Robby Summers of Benton, Scott Summers of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Andy Summers of Benton, Candie Summers of Benton, and Amber de-Anda of Dallas, Texas; and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, January 27, 2011, at Family Church, 21815 Interstate 30 West, Bryant, Arkansas 72022, with Pastor Perry Black officiating. Inurnment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Second Chance Ranch, P.O. Box 901, Bryant, Ark. 72089. Arrangements by Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home (501-455-1067). To sign the online guest book, visit www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.