Walter Vernon

Walter Edward Vernon, 97, died Wednesday, March 4, 2009, surrounded by his family at Eastridge Nursing Home in Centralia, Kansas. A family visitation will be held at Hayes-Popkess Funeral Home, Centralia at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 6. Graveside services for Mr. Vernon will be Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Rev. Debra Hanes-Nelson. Casket bearers will be grandsons, Richard Vernon, Jason Vernon and family friends, JB Holland, Kevin Henry, Mike Thompson, and Darwin Skillett.

Walter "Walt" was born July 11, 1911 to Newton and Bertha Welliver Vernon on a farm west of Corning, Kansas. He attended Mt. Vernon Country School. Walt was a farmer throughout his life and enjoyed working with horses in his early years.

He married the love of his life Erma Cox August 5, 1933 in Holton, Kansas. They lived on the family farm west of Corning until 1967. They had one son, Kenneth Vernon of Centralia. The family moved to Centralia where Walt worked for several local businesses and continued to farm with his son. Erma passed away November 15, 1979. Walt continued to live in their home until May of 2003. He spent the remainder of his years at the Eastridge Nursing Home in Centralia.

Walt enjoyed spending time with his family, including grandchildren and great grandchildren, gardening, word games, and puzzles.

Survivors include son, Kenneth Vernon and wife Sandra, Centralia, Kansas; grandsons, Richard Vernon (Lori Vernon), Centralia, Jason Vernon (Tonya Vernon), Gardner, Kansas, and Dana Vernon, Centralia, Kansas; great-grandchildren, Meghan, Ryan, Jordan, Ryche, and Emmery.

Walter was preceded in death by wife, Erma Vernon; two brothers, Marshall and Lee Vernon; four sisters, Tressie Derr, Edna Caldwell, Florence Shimer, and Bernice Vernon.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Memorial contributions may be given to Eastridge Nursing Home and the United Methodist Church, both in Centralia.