Vanis was born and raised in the Plainview Community, outside of Seymour, Baylor County, Texas. He attended college at Texas Tech in Lubbock. After college, he was a school teacher, and then, as I understand it, became a trainer of RAF pilots in California during WWII, before the involvement of the U.S. in the war. Vanis was employed with American Airlines from 1941 until his early retirement in 1977. First as a Ground School Instructor in California, New York, and then Fort Worth, TX, where he was later promoted to management at the American Airlines Flight Academy. He was the liaison between corporate and the contractor during the construction of the Flight Academy in the early 1970's. In his retirement, he became a prolific wood worker, cabinet maker, and restorer of furniture, especially antiques. He and Bernice enjoyed their small antique business. Vanis was a very active member of Birdville Baptist Church from 1950 until his death, serving as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon, and in many other leadership capacities. He was a true Christian teaching others by example, not preaching. Vanis was active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scout Master, and other positions within the Longhorn Council for many years, and earned the Silver Beaver Award. He was also very active in Rotary International from 1971 until his death, serving as District Governor 1980-1981, and in many other capacities in his District, including starting 13 new clubs. Vanis always had a very happy, positive attitude. He never had a negative thing to say about any one or any thing. He was a handsome man with wavy hair and was a true "people person" who never met a stranger. He always whistled while he worked; had a very even temperment and did not show anger. Vanis was very robust and healthy, until his last moment, when he collapsed and died of a heart attack immediately after attending an water aerobics exercise class. An estimated 700 people attended his funeral. He loved his family and friends unconditionally. He and Bernice raised three children, Dan, Joe and Marilyn; and had three grand children - Shelly, Jennifer and Billy. He is dearly missed.
Brothers: Bob #46374854, Glen #46374930, Estes #46375007 and Thelbert #55406824
Brothers: Bob #46374854, Glen #46374930, Estes #46375007 and Thelbert #55406824
Vanis was born and raised in the Plainview Community, outside of Seymour, Baylor County, Texas. He attended college at Texas Tech in Lubbock. After college, he was a school teacher, and then, as I understand it, became a trainer of RAF pilots in California during WWII, before the involvement of the U.S. in the war. Vanis was employed with American Airlines from 1941 until his early retirement in 1977. First as a Ground School Instructor in California, New York, and then Fort Worth, TX, where he was later promoted to management at the American Airlines Flight Academy. He was the liaison between corporate and the contractor during the construction of the Flight Academy in the early 1970's. In his retirement, he became a prolific wood worker, cabinet maker, and restorer of furniture, especially antiques. He and Bernice enjoyed their small antique business. Vanis was a very active member of Birdville Baptist Church from 1950 until his death, serving as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon, and in many other leadership capacities. He was a true Christian teaching others by example, not preaching. Vanis was active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scout Master, and other positions within the Longhorn Council for many years, and earned the Silver Beaver Award. He was also very active in Rotary International from 1971 until his death, serving as District Governor 1980-1981, and in many other capacities in his District, including starting 13 new clubs. Vanis always had a very happy, positive attitude. He never had a negative thing to say about any one or any thing. He was a handsome man with wavy hair and was a true "people person" who never met a stranger. He always whistled while he worked; had a very even temperment and did not show anger. Vanis was very robust and healthy, until his last moment, when he collapsed and died of a heart attack immediately after attending an water aerobics exercise class. An estimated 700 people attended his funeral. He loved his family and friends unconditionally. He and Bernice raised three children, Dan, Joe and Marilyn; and had three grand children - Shelly, Jennifer and Billy. He is dearly missed.
Brothers: Bob #46374854, Glen #46374930, Estes #46375007 and Thelbert #55406824
Brothers: Bob #46374854, Glen #46374930, Estes #46375007 and Thelbert #55406824
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