Vernon Estes Tapley

SFC Vernon Estes Tapley was born to Helen (Stoelting) and William Tapley on March 31, 1945, in Vincennes, IN. His wife and daughter were with him during his last breath on August 7, 2022, in San Antonio, TX.

Vernon served in the Army with the 82 Airborne, was a veteran of two tours in Vietnam, and deployed with the Army intelligence community in Shemya, AK, Panama, Thailand, Okinawa, and South Korea before retiring in 1984. While serving the State of Texas, Vernon also worked at the San Antonio State Hospital as the volunteer coordinator until his retirement from the State of Texas in 2004.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 46 years, Debra (Baker) Tapley; daughter, Amelia Tapley and husband, Tony Guerra; grandkids, Benjamin and Kathryn Guerra; and step-grandchildren, Olivia Aguirre (Joel) and Samuel Guerra all of San Antonio, TX. Vernon and Debra, both Army members, were married on February 23, 1976, in Okinawa, Japan. As a family-focused man his grandchildren Ben and Kat were the light of his life.

A big thank you goes out to University Hospital, neurosurgery, ICU, and emergency departments in August. Audie Murphy Veterans Administration was most supportive of Vernons health care, especially during his treatment for prostate cancer (Agent Orange).

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at Fort Sam National Cemetery, on August 19, 9:30. Vernon will be interned next to his daughter, Erica Tapley. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to Fisher House 3, 1445 Foster Ave, Bldg. 3865, Lackland AFB TX 78236 or online at fisherhouse.org.