He was born on November 13, 1926 in Chicago, IL the son of Carl S. and Lillian M. Kenner Long. He married Barbara Jean Nixon on December 11, 1949. She preceded him in death on February 13, 2016.
Vern is survived by his two daughters, Patricia Coyle of Aurora, IL, and Janet Long of Aurora, IL; one son, Michael (Suzette) Long of Peoria; nine grandchildren, Bradley (Heather) Coyle, Lynsey (Thomas) Riedl, Matthew (Jennifer) Long, Bryan (Cori) Long, Colleen Phelps, Adrian Gomez, Genevieve Gomez Long, Amina Gomez Long and Sophia Gomez Long; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was a member of Parkview Church of Peoria. Vern was a Navy Veteran serving in World War II. He was also a member of the Pekin Moose Lodge # 916 for many years.
Vern was a baker for 9 years prior to his employment at Caterpillar. He retired in 1985 after 31 years in the Quality Assurance Department.
He was a member of various senior golf associations in Peoria for many years. He was an avid bowler who served as an Officer and Director on the board of the Greater Peoria Bowling Association for thirteen years. In 1992, he was inducted into the G.P.B.A. Hall of Fame.
Vern was such a loving, devoted, caring husband and father. He committed his life to ensure that his family was well cared for, loved and happy.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to time of services. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St Jude Midwest Affiliate, 530 NE Glen Oak, Peoria, IL 61637 or to the Peoria Food Bank, 721 W. McBean Street, Peoria, IL 61605.
To view Vern’s memorial page or to leave online condolences please go to www.davison-fulton.com.
