Van William Maraman, age 87, passed away on September 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family who meant everything to him, following a courageous journey with lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Van married his sweetheart, Patsy Sasser Maraman, on November 17, 1962. Together they built a life centered around love, family, hard work, and devotion to one another. This November, they would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary…a beautiful testament to a lifetime spent side by side.

From an early age, Van dreamed of being a cowboy and a cowboy he became. He had a deep love for cattle, horses, ranch life, and the outdoors, and he was blessed to spend many years doing what he loved as a cattle manager for area ranches. For Van, it wasn't simply a job; it was a way of life and a dream fulfilled.

As life often does, circumstances changed and so did Van's career. He later became an Aircraft Monitor at Fort Rucker, where he worked until his retirement. Van also proudly served his country in the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division, a part of his life and history of which he was very proud.

But of all the things Van accomplished and all the roles he held throughout his 87 years, none meant more to him than being a husband, daddy, granddaddy, and great-granddaddy. His family was, without question, what he loved most in this world.

Van was preceded in death by his mother, Opal Savage; his father, Arthur Maraman; his sisters, Lonie Cotton and Louise Weir; and his brother, Edward Maraman.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Patsy Sasser Maraman; his daughters, Patty Robbins Wood and Tammy Maraman, both of Florala, Alabama, and Gena (Scott) Harward of Ocala, Florida.

He is also survived by his brother, Rufus Hick (Sandy) Maraman of Palmdale, California; and his sisters, Dorothy (Bill) Colvin of Lake City, Florida, Sheila (E.B.) Pickron of Florala, Alabama, and Evelyn (Mike) Moody of Samson, Alabama.

He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Evan (Caitlyn) Robbins of Florala, Alabama; Jace (Madison) Robbins of Opelika, Alabama; Olivia (Brandon) Garrett of Paxton, Florida; Abby (Jeremy) Jerkins of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Jack (Hartley) Hamilton of Laurel Hill, Florida.

His legacy continues through his nine great-grandchildren, Freya, Jenson and Isla Robbins; Mary Alan Robbins; Bryler and Jaxon Garrett; and Noah, Rosie and Ellie Jerkins.

Van also leaves behind many beloved cousins, in-laws, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed to know and love him throughout his life.

Van's life was one of hard work, strength, service, and devotion. He got to live his childhood dream of being a cowboy, serve his country, build a career, and spend more than six decades beside the woman he loved. But the greatest legacy he leaves behind isn't found in any job he held or accomplishment he achieved. It lives in the family he loved so dearly and in the stories, lessons, laughter, and memories they will carry with them.

There are so many things his family will miss, but one of the sweetest will be Daddy's birthday calls. No matter how old you were, a birthday wasn't complete until the phone rang and Daddy sang “Happy Birthday” to you. It was one of those simple traditions that may have seemed small at the time, but will now be missed beyond measure. With every birthday that comes, his family will remember that familiar voice and wish for just one more call.

And for those who loved Van, there are certain words that will forever sound like Daddy. Whenever his family would leave, he would send them off with a simple reminder:

“Be sweet like me.”

Those four little words will now mean more than he probably ever imagined. They will bring a smile, a memory, and perhaps a tear, but most of all, they will bring him close.

The cowboy may have ridden his last trail, but the life Van lived and the love he gave will remain in the hearts of his family for generations to come.

Be sweet like me, Daddy. We will.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home in Florala, Alabama.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Florala, Alabama, with Norman Simmons conducting the service, assisted by Billy Pickron. Burial will follow in the Chapel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Evan Robbins, Jace Robbins, Jack Hamilton, Brandon Garrett, Jeremy Jerkins and Mark Maraman.