John Sackett Vernor, 84, died Sunday, October 31, 2010, surrounded by his wife and three children at home in Lake Jackson, Texas.
He was born September 20, 1926 in the Pure Oil Refinery near Nederland and later moved to Beaumont, Texas. There he became an Eagle Scout and graduated from Beaumont High School in 1943 where he played trumpet in the band and ran track. He played Taps at many military funerals. He attended Louisiana State University (LSU) for two years before entering the army during World War II from 1945–1947 and served in the European Theater including duty at the German War Trials.
After returning to the states, he graduated from LSU as a mechanical and industrial engineer in 1950. He was employed as an engineer with Pure Oil Company until being recalled into the army during the Korean War. He returned from service in 1953 to work for Pure Oil as chief engineer for Nebraska and Colorado. In 1956 he moved to the local area and worked for Dow Chemical Company before retiring in 1985.John was an active member of First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson where he served in a variety of capacities. He was active in volunteer work as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Master; manager of Little League, teenage baseball and girls’ softball teams; and more recently volunteered weekly at the Freeport Seaman Center (Port Ministry) and Citizen Police Academy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell L. Vernor and Maude Sackett Vernor; and brother, Russell L. Vernor, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joyce K. Vernor; son, John S. Vernor, Jr. and wife, Betsy; and daughters, Dr. Yvette Vernor Dye of Denton and Garnet Vernor Lopez and husband, Joe, of Jourdanton; seven beautiful and loving grandchildren: Leigh Anne Vernor Shumate and husband, Anthony, Lori Vernor Graham and husband, Teal, Melissa Vernor Reid and husband, Mark, Timothy John Vernor, Kathryn Michelle Dye, Joshua Andrew Lopez, and John Edward Lopez; three great-grandchildren, Presley Taylor Shumate, Jordan Marie Graham, and Preston Gage Graham. His family and those who knew him were blessed with his love for many years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Freeport Seaman Center (Port Ministry) or First Baptist Church Library of Lake Jackson.
Funeral services will be held at the chapel on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at 10 a.m. with Rev. D. O. Foster officiating. Visitation will be held at the Lakewood Funeral Chapel on Monday, November 1, 2010, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Arrangements by the Turner Family at Lakewood Chapel. Online condolences may be made to freeportlakewoodfuneral homes.com.
