Vernie H. Hairston

Vernie H. Hairston went to be with the Lord Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the age of 94. He was born May 3, 1919 in the Lone Pine Community, near Lovelady, Houston County, Texas to parents Oscar E. Hairston and Jennie Burton Hairston.

During World War II Vernie served in the Merchant Marines and graduated from the U.S. Maritime Officer Candidate School in New London, Connecticut. He served on various vessels, during the war, delivering oil in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters and survived two torpedo strikes. After his discharge from the military he returned to San Antonio and worked for several different companies as a Controller/Bookkeeper and Office Manager. Vernie liked all sports but was especially interested in baseball. He coached a number of teams in the Babe Ruth and American Legion Leagues over the years and normally produced a conference champion. He was a devout family man and was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church serving on various ministries and as an Elder of the church. Although he has been retired for a number of years he continued to stay active at Concordia and in his son’s business as the bookkeeper.

Vernie married Louise Billimek in Poth, Texas on November 10, 1940. He was preceded in death by both parents, 4 sisters, 8 brothers and his beloved wife to whom he was married for 68 years.

He is survived by his son, David Hairston and his wife, Kathy of San Antonio; and daughter, Jenny Gonzalez and her husband, Ed Xavier of Austin.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Concordia Lutheran Church located at 16801 Huebner Road in San Antonio, Texas 78258. A Remembrance Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Vernie will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park at 2:00 p.m.