Andrew E. “Andy” Vernon, age 87, of Versailles, passed away Monday, November 12, 2018, at his home. He was born November 4, 1931, in Eldon, a son of the late Fred T. and Mary Lee (Hayes) Vernon.
On January 13, 1951, in Harrison, Arkansas, he was united in marriage to his surviving wife, Inis (Keyes) Vernon.
Andy was a United States Air Force veteran having served at Parks Air Force Base in Pleasanton, California, Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, Sembach Air Force Base in Germany (Frontline NATO Airbase), Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, Lawry Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, Bitburg Air Force Base in Bitburg, Germany, Department of Defense Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base in Saigon, Vietnam and Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Missouri. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, two United States Air Force Commendation Medals with four Oak Leaf Clusters, three Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) with one Oak Leaf Cluster – equal to the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, four Outstanding Unit Award Ribbons, five Good Conduct Medals with one Oak Leaf Cluster, six United States Air Force Army of Occupation Medals for service in Germany, seven National Defense Service Medals with Bronze Star, eight Vietnam Service Medals with two Bronze Stars signifying two campaigns, nine Longevity Service Awards with four Oak Leaf Clusters, ten Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbons and eleven Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Ribbons. He retired after twenty-two years of service with the rank of Master Sergeant.
Andy was a member of the Versailles First Assembly of God Church and the VFW Post 5178 in Gravois Mills.
He enjoyed spending his spare time fishing, vegetable gardening, reading western books and playing golf. Most of all, he loved his family and took great care of them. Andy cared for others always offering to help in any way he could. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife, Inis, he is survived by his daughters, Marsha Vernon-Farrugia and husband Joseph S. of Bunceton, Missouri and Cynthia Vernon of the home and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wesley Vernon and his sisters, Ruth Beanland, Jean McIntyre and Genevieve Weaver.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, November 17th, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastors John Fransisco and Gary Petty officiating. Graveside services and interment with full military honors will follow in the Eldon City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Versailles First Assembly of God Church.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.
