"On Monday, January 1, 2024, Russell "Rusty" Vann went home to be with the Lord at the age of 60.
Rusty was born November 21, 1963 in Houston, TX[BV1] , to Jan Silkey Spence and Gordon Vann.  He was a graduate of Milby High School.  Rusty moved from Houston to Galveston in the early 80s with the intention of making his home close to the ocean.

Rusty loved fishing, surfing, friends, and family.

Rusty's passion for surfing developed into skills of shaping surfboards and fiber-glassing.

He traveled with family and friends surfing many places in the world, but Mexico was always favorite.

Galveston beach front green water specks were ideal, but flounder run was the most fun.

Rusty was preceded in death by his mother Jan Silkey Spence.

Rusty leaves precious memories with his life partner of 26 years, Lisa Fortini; his son Blake Vann; his brother Scott Vann, sister Cindy Vann Heald, and sister Coy Duncan; his father Gordon Vann; his brother-in-law Craig Heald Sr., niece Cristen Crites, nephew CJ Heald, and Clay Heald; aunt Karen Silkey Swearengin; his cousins Lisa and Iban Palomares, Lori Garrett Pytka, Brittany Swearengin, and Morgan Pytka; and his numerous friends.

There will be a visitation 5-6 PM, followed by a service celebrating his life 6-7 PM, Monday the 8th January 2024, at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home in Galveston, TX."