Edward Orville Vernon

Edward Vernon, known to most as “Cap’n Eddie,” took his final flight on Feb 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as bold and unforgettable as the stories he told. Born March 19, 1939, Ned was a man who didn’t just live life—he soared through it, whether behind the controls of his beloved plane, on the back of a Harley, or at the helm of a room full of laughter.

At 15, he found the love of his life, Patty, and never looked back. Their love story spanned decades, fueled by adventure, partnership, and a shared joy in the journey. After serving in the Army and earning his degree from the University of Denver, Ned built a successful career in sales, ultimately founding Vernon Sales Co. in 1970. But business was just one chapter in his extraordinary life.

Ned had a magnetic presence—he didn’t just tell stories; he performed them, leaving audiences in stitches with jokes that only got bigger (and funnier) with each retelling. His charisma was as much a part of him as his ever-present cigar, a signature accessory for a man who truly knew how to savor life.

An adventurer at heart, Ned earned his pilot’s license in his 20s, and from that moment on, the sky was never the limit—it was just another highway. With Patty, Mark and Kathleen by his side, he whisked the family away on countless trips in their little plane, which they lovingly called their “Magic Carpet.” Whether it was on a boat, a bike, or a plane, one thing was certain—Ned was always in the captain’s seat. Every memory with him was larger than life.

Ned leaves behind a world that is a little quieter without his voice, a little dimmer without his laughter, and a little less colorful without his presence. But those who knew him will carry his stories, his spirit, and his love of adventure forward. He wouldn’t want it any other way.

Fly high, Cap’n Eddie. Your next great journey awaits.

A celebration of life and burial for Edward Vernon will take place in June, dates are to be determined.