Gilbert Dove Vernon

Gilbert Dove Vernon, son of Martin Dove and Nettie Ethel (Bolles) Vernon, was born October 25, 1928, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Saturday, February 22, 2014, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri at the age of eighty-five years, three months and twenty-four days. On May 30, 1954, he was united in marriage to Loretta May Amos and to this union one son and four daughters were born. Loretta preceded him in death on May 16, 1995. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Letha Hart (Fred), and Olive Waterman (Chester); his mother and father-in-law, Dee and Edna Amos; brothers-in-law and sister-in law, Lee and Neta Moore and James Amos. Gilbert is survived by his five children, Olive Mayes (Russell) of Farmersville, Il, Martin Vernon (Robin) of Waynesville, MO, Carol Vernon of Lebanon, MO, Susan Crisp (Jeff) of Nixa, MO, and Lori Vernon (Regina) of Lebanon, MO, daughter-in-law, Jeanine Vernon, of Lebanon, MO, Gene Stout, who was like a son, of Lebanon, MO; and his longtime lady friend, Betty Showler, of Lebanon, MO; seven grandchildren, Sheena Self (Jake) and Katelin Vernon (Troy), Heather Dvorak (T.J.), Alex Mayes, Makinley Crisp, and Draven Vernon and Kielynn; two great-grandchildren, Cooper and Payton Self; his three nephews, Marvin Hart, Danny Waterman ( Carolyn) and Art Waterman (Pam); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Johnnie and Berniece Amos, Sally Amos, Eddie and Ruth Amos, and Jewell and Gail Amos; a number of other nieces and nephews ; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. He graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1946. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and served his country faithfully from 1951 to 1953 working in the Fort Leonard Wood Commissary. After he was honorably discharged he started his Grocer Career following in the footsteps of his mother and father taking over the operation of the grocery store. During this time he met Loretta Amos, who lived down the street, and he shared forty-one years with her. He owned and operated Vernon’s Grocery for the last sixty-one years. Besides running the store he had other endeavors over the years including: Vernon Uniforms, Lebanon Wholesale Supply, Arcade and Video Games, and serving on the Lebanon Housing Authority for many years. Gilbert professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was a charter member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and held other leadership positions in the church. He always enjoyed the activities and the fellowship of his church family. He was a man with many attributes. His positive attitude, kind and caring heart, great work ethic, and a never ending faith in Jesus Christ were qualities he lived by and a legacy he left for his children. Gilbert will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. We celebrate his life and cherish the memories he created for his family and many friends. He will live on in our hearts forever.

Gilbert Dove Vernon

October 25, 1928 - February 22, 2014