Milton Jerome Vann was born on July 26, 1945 to Edith Powell and George Vann in Detroit, Michigan. His family pet name was Suttie, after a song his mother sang to her two young sons. It went, "Suttie in the weed, and Tito in the boat." The youngest of seven children, Milton was two-and one-half years old when his mother died.
He attended Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Northern High School in 1963. He matriculated at Michigan State University and graduated in 1971 with a bachelor of science degree in sociology. Employed 37 years at General Motors Fisher Body division, he was a proud, and sometimes skeptical, member of the United Auto Workers. His first new automobile was an Audi, but he decided early on in his employment with GM that he would support the corporation that paid the rent, and henceforth drove GM. And, he strongly encouraged friends and family to buy GM. Very particular about his personal vehicles, Milton kept them new-car looking and smelling for years. He retired from GM in 2004.
While Milton was a college student he started traveling the world, but his life changed in East Lansing on a blind date. His niece, Aneda Davis, fixed him up with Theresa Ann Manion. Milton and Theresa married on September 12, 1970, in Detroit, and lived in the mid-Michigan area in Okemos, and East Lansing. They became the parents of three sons. Milton continued his love of travel in their marriage. He traveled widely in Michigan and the U.S., and internationally to Scandinavia, five times to London, England; and three times to France. Two of those trips included Paris.
Milton loved technology. He got that from his beloved brother-in-law, Isaac Davis. A hobbyist photographer, Milton always brought his camera to family gatherings. He was not in many photos because he was taking them! Through the lens of his telescope, he studied the celestial stars. On earth, figuring-out computers captured his attention.
On October 6, 2021, Milton departed this life in the comfort of his bed, and cared for by his wife. He was 76 years old. Milton was preceded in death by infant son, Adrian Manion Vann, and five of his six siblings: Barbara Davis, George Vann, Arthur Van, Elaine Johnson, and Verne "Tito" Vann. Milton is survived by his wife of 51 years, Theresa, of East Lansing, Michigan; sons Yuri and Shanan; sister, Delores Murray; special friend, Marvin Brunner, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A reception for Milton will be held Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Vann family.
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