Carl Dean Vail

Carl Dean Vail of San Antonio, TX, died February 21, 2020 at the age of 83. Carl was born March 1, 1936 in Emporia, KS to Virgil Vail and Alta Turner Vail. Carl’s life long interest in music began at the age of 8 when he acquired a cornet and began playing in the local Salvation Army Band. He later began playing euphonium and along with playing in the Jr High and High School bands in Emporia, also played in the Emporia Municipal Band.

Carl began his Navy career as a Musician and Radar man. He later accepted a position in the Naval Academy Band and was their solo euphonium from 1964 to 1974. At this time he transferred to be the conductor of the Fleet Reserve Band in Corpus Christie, TX. Carl retired from the Navy in 1976 and became an Educational Representative for Brook Mays Music, then became a Division Manager with the Buffet Group. He retired in 1999. Carl was an active musician after his retirement, teaching private lessons to local high school students and playing in various community bands.

Carl is survived by his wife, Erin, of San Antonio, a sister, Joy Bach, of Kenniwick, WA, son Mark and Liz Vail of Memphis, TN, daughter JoAnna Vail of San Antonio. Bonus daughters Amy and Mike Johnson of Vicenza, Italy, Laura and Sean Shaffer of Abilene, TX and bonus son Eric and Kelly Pedersen of Hickory, NC, 6 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held March 15 at a location yet to be determined.