Jarrell Mitchell "Jerry" Vann, 76, a resident of Matthews most of his life, died Friday, Feb. 12 at Hunter Acres Care Center in Sikeston. He was born March 31, 1939 in Lilbourn to the late Robert M. and Ollie I. (Ragsdale) Vann. An active farmer for many years, Jerry was a member of First Christian Church of Matthews, Big Prairie Jaycees of Matthews and had served on the New Madrid County Ambulance Service Board and the Community Sheltered Workshop Board.
He was married to Wanda Jean Walls Feb. 21, 1959 in Matthews and she survives of the home. Also surviving are one daughter, Cheryl Vann of the home; 1 daughter-in-law, Donna Vann of East Prairie; 3 grandchildren, Cati Vann, Tre (Emily) Hammontree and Cameron Ellis; and 3 great-grandchildren, Landri Hammontree, Lexton Hammontree and Livy-Gray Hammontree. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by one son, Mitchell Vann, Jr. and two brothers, R.B. Vann and J. E. Vann. Visitation will be at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 10:30 am until time for services in the chapel at 1:00 pm. Rev. Dean Wallace, minister with Wyatt Baptist Church and Shining Light Baptist Outreach Center, will officiate and burial will follow at Garden of Memories. Pallbearers will be Ricky Alsup, Jeff Johnson, Cole Alsup, Doug Moore, Joey Causey and Tony Chism. Online condolences may be shared with the family at blanchardfuneral.com.