Obituary of Vann Oris Martin

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Vann Oris Martin at the age of 93 on June 21, 2020.Vann was born on February 25, 1927 in a farmhouse outside Chillicothe near the Panhandle, to Ocie Lee Martin and Myrtle Alice Staley Martin. Vann proudly remembered that his father paid the doctor not with money, but with a 200 pound pregnant sow.The family moved to Fort Worth in 1943 where Vann graduated from Arlington Heights High School and immediately joined the U.S. Navy in 1945. Returning to Fort Worth, Vann joined his dad, Ocie, at the shop on Hulen and Camp Bowie. Ocie, a legend himself, was a barber during the 1920’s and perfected the “jazz age bob” and later the “heat wave process” for those wanting waves and curls. They were later joined by two other brothers, Don and Stanley, before Vann opened his first shop on the Bluebonnet Circle.In the 1960s Vann went to London to study with Vidal Sassoon bringing back a “geometric haircutting style” and the use of “blow drying” as a finish. He was also part of a team brought to American Airlines who taught grooming to flight attendants. One of his notable clients, Edna Gladney, founder of the renowned adoption center, would come every week to have her hair done. Vann invited her to please bring one of girls with her each time and he would volunteer his services in the hope of brightening a sad time.Vann and Sue joined Christ Chapel where they were loyal greeters every Sunday.Vann was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Patsy, his daughter, Sally Marshall, and brother, Lanny Martin.He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Sue McNeil Martin and her family, Jim McNeil (Barri) and their children, Katherine (Jonathan Phillips), Jake McNeil, and James McNeil; Jan (Mark Dolliver), and their children Mary (Colin Campbell) Karsen Dolliver, and Mac Dolliver; and Jon McNeil; and four great grandchildren, Lexie, Grace, Maddie, and Channing.Vann’s family also includes his brothers, Stanley Martin (and Pat), and Don Martin; children Billy (Geri Martin), and their children Chase Martin, and Natalie (Brad Aramino). Susan (Walter Smith), and their children, Grayland Smith, Matthew Smith (Lori), and Bethany (Joe Baker); grandchild, Laura (Dwayne Marshall); and four great grandchildren, Skylar, Vann Oris, Hub, and Audrey.