Vernon Clarence St George

Vernon Clarence St. George, 85, passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017 at his home in Eagle Point. Vernon was born November 30, 1931 In Grand Forks, North Dakota, the oldest of four children born to Margaret (Dallum) and Clarence St. George. He graduated from Sacred Heart School in 1949, where he was Senior Class President and Co-Captain of both the football and basketball teams. Vernon served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a particularly proud of his military service, and often shared poignant stories with his family. He served aboard the USS President Jackson, evacuating Marines from the difficult Battle of Chosin, and landing Marines on the beachhead at Inchon. He met the love of his life, Bonnie Edwards, in Oakland, California while in the Navy. They married in September of 1953 and raised six children together. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His happiest times were when all the family could get together. Vernon spent most of his adult life as a millworker in Southern Oregon, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Most summer afternoons found him in a drift boat on the Rogue River, fishing. He was an avid supporter of the Oregon Ducks, and hardly ever missed a game. Until his health prevented it, he was heavily involved in the parish at Our Lady of Fatima in Shady Cove. He was devout in his faith, and served on both the Pastoral Council and the Vicariate Council. He also helped organize the annual pig roast and parish picnic, one of the highlights of his year. Vernon is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bonnie, sons Michael (Susan) St. George and Patrick (Ronda) St. George; daughters Mary Jo (Paul) Adams, Ronle (Dean) Teets, Theresa St. George, and Ramona (Eric) Suing; sister Cleo (Wilf) DeYaeger, 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Tom St. George and sister Patricia Stenholm. A Rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2017 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Shady Cove, followed by the Funeral Mass. A private commitment service will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Arrangements by Rogue Valley Funeral Alternatives, 541-770-6505. www.roguevalleyfunerals.com