Marlin Rufus Vernon

Marlin Rufus Vernon Sr. died of natural causes early Sunday morning, April 19, 2009. He was 95. Marlin was known for his love of family, gregarious personality, integrity, optimism, generosity, compassion for those in need, and a strong belief in encouraging young people and in giving a second chance. He was born Sept. 24, 1913, in Liberty Hill, and grew up on a truck farm near Ruston. As a young man he attended LSU in Baton Rouge, where he graduated with honors in chemical engineering. After graduation he continued to live in Baton Rouge, where he worked as an engineer and then as a business owner. He met his wife, Johnye Margaret Meeks, while they were students at LSU. They married at First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, in 1938 and continued as members there until they left Baton Rouge in 1998. As a longtime member of First Baptist Church, he served as a deacon, taught a 10th-grade boys Sunday School class, and supported youth sports and education ministries. Marlin and Margaret's relationship was a great love story, admired and cherished by their children. They were devoted to their children. Religious beliefs, love, respect for others, the value of an education, work ethic and having fun were all constantly modeled in the home. After 62 years of marriage, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret, in 2000. He is survived by those he so dearly loved and who dearly loved him. There are six children, Margaret Gemberling, Becky Sodrok, Rufus Vernon, Jenny Robins, Suellen Stanziale and Hazel Vernon; 12 grandchildren, Margaret, Susan, Mark, Matthew, Jennifer, Josh, Alyssa, Michael, Kristen, Olivia, Kate and Kerry; eight great-grandchildren, Kevin, Erin, Megan, Stephan, Christopher, Tiffany, Sarah and Ashley. The family will receive relatives and friends at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Friday, April 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 529 Convention St., at 2 p.m. Saturday. Interment at Roselawn Cemetery, 4045 North St., Baton Rouge, where he will be buried next to his beloved Margaret. We will always miss you, Daddy!