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An instructor of one of the Kido Kwan Directors has sadley passed…
BY STAFF REPORTORS of the CHEROKEE PHOENIX
WICHITA, Kan. – Wilson Vann, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and master instructor of martial arts, died on Aug. 8 at age 89.
Born on June 11, 1924, in Short, Okla., he eventually joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific theater during World War II. After the war, he worked 36 years at Cessna Aircraft in Wichita before retiring and moving to Tahlequah, Okla., where he resided until 2011.
He owned Judo and Tae Kwon Do schools for more than 50 years, which produced many champions in national and international competition. He had a reputation as a noted instructor of martial arts in the U.S. and Korea, specializing in Tae Kwon Do and Kodokan Judo. He held a black belt in Judo and a ninth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do from the Han Moo Kwan. Han Moo Kwan was founded in August 1954 by Kyo Yoon Lee and is one of the nine original Kwans that later formed Kukkiwon Tae Kwon Do.
Vann is survived by his wife Loretta (Riner) of 65 years, three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
According to a Cherokee Nation email, “Vann was a proud Cherokee and a WWII veteran. For many years he taught young men and women Tae Kwon Do. Using martial arts as a platform, he also taught them much of what they needed to succeed in life. That teaching included working hard, being honest, never giving up. His students learned courage and commitment. He left us hundreds of heroes in waiting. They will support their families, help their friends, maintain a sense of honor; and, God willing, live a peaceful life. But when courage is needed, they will have it. And in great part, it will be due to the quiet, unassuming mentoring of a great man.”
Funeral and graveside services were expected be held on Aug. 14 at the Old Mission Cemetery and Funeral Home in Wichita. Memorials in Vann’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at oldmissionmortuary.com.
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