Roll Call Tribute

Dr. Vannis Wilbanks Redman
May 27, 1935 - December 25, 2021

Vannis “Van” Wilbanks Redman passed peacefully at home on Christmas morning. He was born May 27th, 1935 in Bowie, Texas and grew up in Saint Jo, Texas where his interest in veterinary medicine began with his experiences showing at the Fort Worth Stock Show, played center on the high school football team and was a proud Eagle Scout.

He attended Texas A&M University where he was in the Corps of Cadets, Squadron 17, a member of Phi Zeta (veterinary honor society) and earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Upon graduation, he served two years in the U. S. Air Force at James Connally Air Force Base in Waco, Texas; it was here that he brought his bride in 1960. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

In 1962, they moved to Gainesville, Texas where he began practicing veterinary medicine and they settled in Denton a few years later where he had an active small animal practice until 1999.

Professionally, he was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association and was active in the business community. He was also a member of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students, Texas Trophy Hunters Association, and the Dallas Safari Club. He was a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Denton and upon moving to Dallas, Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Upon retirement, he spent much of his time at our Angel Valley Ranch where he focused on the restoration and enhancement of the wildlife habitat. Most recently, he became a holder of a 60 year pin as a Master Mason and member of Saint Jo 483 and was a member of the Scottish Rite.

Daddy was the very best of what makes a father a daddy - he was active in Indian Princesses, coached the undefeated 1981 Frank Borman Dad’s Pitch baseball team, and the not as successful Austin Baker Sales softball team. He ended his large animal practice at this busy time in my life so he could make every game, dance and piano recitals, and cotillion.

Daddy was an avid outdoorsman and was known as The General at his hunting leases the Rose Ranch, the Ross Ranch and at The Webb County Chicken Fried Steak and Cream Gravy Association (the Laredo hunting lease).

He moved in with me upon Momma’s death in 2015 and he enjoyed being in Dallas where he was able to spend time with his Class of 1957 Aggie buddies, my friends, making it to the annual Texas A&M versus Arkansas game at AT&T Stadium and I shall cherish this time we had together always.

After a private burial, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 in the afternoon Tuesday, December 28th at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 300 West Oak Street, Denton, Texas. The service will also be livestreamed at www.standrewdenton.com/memorial-service

He was preceded in death by his parents and beautiful wife of fifty-five years, Lu Ann Browning Redman.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, Vanessa Redman '93, of Dallas, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Taffy and Curtis Cameron, Fredericksburg, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, William and Sue Redman, Mertzon, Texas; nieces Kalen Sledge and Cyrena Benson, San Antonio, Texas; nephews; Charles Redman, Fort Worth, Texas and James Redman, Mertzon, Texas; godson, Mitch Hanson, Arlington and goddaughter, Lee Hanson Bell, Houston, Texas; Suzanne Lynch, Aubrey, Texas who means the world to our family and the very best group of fine sportsmen and Aggie friends a man could hope for and his incorrigible Corgi, Poppy.

Vanessa would like to say a very special thank you to the caregivers who have been with him since 2004, especially, Dave Robinson, Rhonda Evans, Mehret Abraham and Mary Jones. Your care and compassion for Daddy was steadfast and very much appreciated as you enriched his life with your care, love, and patience for westerns and Texas Aggie football. God blessed us greatly with you in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association (https://corpsofcadets.org), to the L. Ray Lawson, MD, International Pediatric Spine Fellowship at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (https://scottishriteforchildren.org.) or to the charity of your choice.