DeWayne Lann

DeWayne Lann, 73, an East Wenatchee resident of 43 years, left to join his Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 4, 2017 while surrounded by his wife and children. DeWayne was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved people and was well-known throughout the community for his compassion for people, quick wit and fun-loving nature. Born July 7, 1943 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to the late John H. and Nathalie (James) Lann, he was raised and schooled in Baton Rouge, graduating from Istrouma High School in 1961. He studied accounting at Louisiana State University, "LSU", until entering the U.S. Air Force in 1962. He was a Pararescueman with the 54th Air Rescue Service (ARS). He was qualified as a Parachutist, SCUBA Diver, Survival Specialist and Medical Technician with 42 total jumps during his career. He later became an Instructor at McChord Air Force Base near Tacoma teaching survival skills for the Air Force. It was here where he met the love of his life Sue Hammett, and they were married on December 3, 1966 in Tacoma. Upon receiving his honorable discharge they made their home together in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After a brief couple of years, they returned to Tacoma where DeWayne was a Salesman for the Union Oil Company. Five years later, they moved their family to Puyallup where they remained until being transferred to Wenatchee in December of 1974. He was the Union Oil Bulk Plant Manager in Wenatchee until its closure. He worked in sales for Cascade Chevrolet and United Pipe and Supply before becoming a New York Life Insurance Agent. DeWayne established his business, eventually operating his own office on Valley Mall Parkway in East Wenatchee together with his wife, adding multiple lines of insurance including Aflac and Purple Cross. In 1994 DeWayne became a Rural Route Mail Carrier for the United States Postal Service. He continued his USPS Route until retiring in 2009. He and Sue made their "Big Loop" trip following his retirement, which included visiting relatives in Missouri, Mississippi, Utah and Louisiana. They covered over 20 states during their trip and attended his 50th High School Reunion. In 2013, they decided to downsize and moved to their current home in East Wenatchee. DeWayne was a longtime member of the Church of Christ in Wenatchee that was home to both Okanogan Avenue and Kings Orchard. He was a former Douglas County Civil Service Commissioner and a former President and member of the Greater Wenatchee Sunrise Lions Club. He enjoyed all forms of fishing, being active with his kids' activities and watching football. DeWayne and Sue had many adventures together traveling around geocaching to many fun and exciting places. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sue Lann, East Wenatchee; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Kelly & Tim Caraway, Wasilla, Alaska, Vicky & Randy Norton, Herriman, Utah and Jenny Sorom, Wenatchee; one son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth & Heather Lann, Wenatchee; one brother and sister-in-law, John & Betty Lann, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Martin Sorom. A Graveside Inurnment service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, March 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Wenatchee Cemetery, followed by a Commemoration Service at 12 noon at Kings Orchard Church of Christ, 1610 Orchard Street, Wenatchee. You are invited to visit his tribute online at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com and leave a memory for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to any Veteran Support Organization of choice, such as Wounded Warriors or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Pararescueman's Code: It is my duty as a member of the Air Rescue Service, to save life and to aid the injured. These things I do, so that others may live.

DeWayne Lann

July 7, 1943 - March 4, 2017