Joe Gary Vernon, 84, of Pekin, formerly of Hanna City, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Joe was born in Jefferson City, Missouri on March 26, 1936 to Lucille Blackburn Vernon and Hershel Vernon. He later moved with his family to St. Louis and then Hanna City, IL. He attended Farmington High School where he enjoyed playing baseball, football, playing the violin, acting and singing in their theatre productions, graduating in 1954. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan in 1958 where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and participated in numerous theatre productions. In 1958 he began active duty in the Air National Guard and served his country for 7 years.
He married Marilyn Haney at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas in 1958. They were married for 63 years. He leaves his loving wife and four children, David (Linda) of Sarasota, FL, Kathy Malpede (Jim) of Glen Ellyn, IL, Linda of Morton and Gary (Sally) of Westport, MA. They have 5 grandchildren, Will, Caroline, Charlie, Owen and Patrick. He also leaves behind his sister, Judy (Fontana), her husband Bob and 2 nieces and 1 nephew.
Joe worked at the Peoria Health Department and then as Personnel Director at American Pest Control. In addition, he and Marilyn ran the family farm. As an active member of the Hanna City Presbyterian Church, he directed the choir and was a church elder for many years. Joe had a beautiful singing voice. He sang at numerous weddings, funerals and events. During the 1970’s Joe was a choir member for the local television show, Chapel Vision. He also enjoyed singing in the Pekin and Bloomington Barbershop Chorus after retirement. He was a member of the Illini Bluffs School Board for 8 years. As a gifted athlete, he enjoyed playing softball in church and competitive leagues into his 40’s.
Joe had a deep faith and was a devoted husband and family man. He loved attending all of his kids’ athletic events and activities. As a grandpa, he was often at his grandchildren’s soccer games in Glen Ellyn and baseball games in Westport, MA. After retiring in 1997, Joe and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, wintering in Sarasota, and visiting their kids. He loved golfing with his sons and friends, spending time with friends and enjoyed watching his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Joe’s memorial visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Joe’s memorial service will be private. To attend the service virtually, please visit www.facebook.com/DavisonFulton/ on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Peoria Rescue Mission for Victory Acres.
Online condolences may be left for Joe’s family at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com.
