CONFIRMED: Lura Vanzant, Veteran, US Air Force (108-24) 23 May 24
911 Mesquite St
Blanco, TX 78606
USA
US AIR FORCE VETERAN
The family of Mrs. Lura Vanzant, a US Air Force Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Lura Vanzant was born in Coffeyville KS on 4 February 1933. Her family moved several times, due to her father’s work and they spent several years in Oklahoma where she received most of her public education. Lura joined the Air Force in October 1951. Among her many memorable moments as an airman was being chosen straight out of Basic Training at Lackland AFB to replace the Base Commander’s secretary, due to her one year of college and civilian experience. When fellow recruits graduated and went home for Christmas, Lura spent her two-week Christmas break being driven by staff car to/from work for the General. She spent most of her career stationed at Ft. Meyer, Virginia, performing clerical and administrative duties for the Special Activities unit in the Pentagon.
Lura left active military service in 1954 and was immediately hired as a civilian employee. In 1963, Lura married Korean War veteran James Vanzant whose civil service work, like Lura’s, involved using a Dictaphone to transpose official records. She flourished in her gatekeeper role as the Lackland AFB Pharmacy Secretary, denying then the future President Lyndon B. Johnson his medication until he provided proper credentials. When asked by his security detail if she knew who he was, “General Lee” (as she was affectionately referred to by pharmacy coworkers) responded that he “looked familiar.” After a rewarding career on military active duty and 35 years in Civil Service, Lura retired in San Antonio TX. In 2003, she moved to Blanco to be with family, after experiencing health issues. She volunteered at the Blanco Library, local museum, and was the oldest member of both American Legion Post 352 and Auxiliary Unit 352, upon her passing on 6 May 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family when she passed peacefully, to be with our Father in Heaven.
Lura “Mom” was a true patriot, inspiration, and joy to all she encountered. She will be greatly missed! She and her late husband shared nine children, eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren: Sandy Vanzant (passed) and children Jeff Frazier and Kristen (& Nicholas) Edwards Bobby (& Betty) Vanzant and children: Jennifer (& Michael) Segulia and children Alex, Ian (& Destinee), Morgann and her son Leo; Jessica (& David) Vega and children Rebecca and Sophia; Melody (& Matt) Ferstler and children Jakob and Grayson, Margie Vanzant (passed), Jerry Vanzant, Judy Vanzant (& Chris) Lopez and children, Corey (& Elise) Lopez and their children Reese and Lennox; Kelly (& Matthew) Malik and daughter Emerson (Emme), Richard Greene, Randi (& Teddy) Weeks and children: Christopher (& Patricia) and children Davisto and Alicia; Jennifer (& Shane) Johnson and children Ashley Andreason, Alexandria (& Austen) Pettis and their kids Jordy, Harper, and Charlotte; Emily (& Jack) Bennett; and William; Robert (& Dawn) and sons Danny, David, and Matthew
Chuck (& Denise) Vanzant and daughter Deni (& Michael) Viggiano and their children Owen Michael, & Elliot Michael, Barry (& Donna) Vanzant.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Van A. and Helen R. Millsap; sister: Beryl “Elaine” Faulk, widow (passed 12/19/08)
Nephews: Larry Pate, his wife Joyce, son Brian, daughter, and several grandchildren. Niece: Diana Aronson, her husband Alvin “Pat,” son Kevin, daughter-in-law Tara and granddaughter Lyra, Niece: Donna Grayson, her husband Steve, son Andrew. Niece: Terri Faulk (passed 8/10/18), son Jeremy Lockridge, daughter LeeAnn Ryan and several grandchildren, Nephew: Richard Pate, wife: Romaine, son Richard Pate grandson L T Pate, Brother: Van R. And Shirley Millsap their son: Cary and family.
WEATHER: Hi 88 / Lo 73, 19 % Chance of Rain, 96 % Humidity, Wind: 8 mph SSE
REQUESTOR: Teddy Weeks, Son in law
STAGING: 8:30 am, Thursday, May 23, 2024
Crofts-Crow Funeral Home
911 Mesquite Street
Blanco, Texas 78606
https://maps.app.goo.gl/q981NY8ChHXpRVcE8
BRIEFING: 8:45 am
HONOR LINE: 9:20 am
**THIS IS A MOTORCYCLE ESCORT ONLY. NO CAGES PLEASE
KSU: 9:30 am (Semper Gumby)
**THE CAGES WILL MEET AT THE SHELTER IN FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
WEATHER: Hi 92 / Lo 77, 13 % Chance of Rain, 90 % Humidity, Wind: 7 mph SE
INTERMENT: 11:00 am – Shelter #2 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9
RC: Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
bobtxpgr@gmail.com
FC: Alice “Cake Lady” Wagener
hwagener@sbcglobal.net
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers