Vernon Dee Pace

October 26, 1930 – October 7, 2014

There was another celebration in heaven today on the joyful arrival of Dr. Vernon Dee Pace, (83) IU Professor Emeritus. His family who had gone before welcomed him with open arms as they reunited after years of separation. Welcoming him at the Heavenly gates was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ along with his parents, John Harrison Pace and Verdi Irene Walker Pace, his siblings, Rex Pace, Dale Pace, Jean Pace McKee and Bonnie Pace Jennings along with his wife of 58 Years, Marlee Gardner Pace and her parents Lamar and Dorothy Gardner.

Anticipating a joyful reunion one day are many surviving family members. Brothers, John Walker Pace of Iowa, and Denny Pace of Orange County California, and many nieces and nephews. His four children and their spouses, (Son) Kevin and Marla Pace, (Daughter) Joni and JC Hulls, (Daughter) Kari and Bob Costello and (Daughter) Juli and Craig Fisher, (13) Grandchildren, Jay Hulls III, Casey Justis, Kati Hulls, Courtney Pace, Jordan Hulls, Kyle Pace, Kaila Hulls, Calvin Costello, Elle Costello, Makendri Fisher, Lilly Costello, Ave Costello, Delani Fisher. (4) Great Grandchildren, Haley Justis, Hannah Justis, Claire Marlee Hulls, Jay Hulls IV.

Vernon grew up in Massena, Iowa where he was number 6 in the line of 7 children. Growing up in a family who owned several local businesses including a Car Lot, a Restaurant Pool Hall and a Drycleaners, Vernon learned from the best when it came to working hard. Vernon excelled in the local Athletic programs in school including Baseball and Basketball. Vernon graduated from Massena High School in 1949 with high honors and later got drafted into the Army for a few years. He then attended Simpson College in Iowa where he played basketball and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1954 and married Marlee Gardner the same year. He then received his Masters Degree from Drake University while Teaching and Coaching and then becoming Principal of a local School. In 1964, and three children later, Vernon and family relocated to Indiana University where he received his Doctorate Degree in 1967 and was offered a Professorship and the position of Assistant Dean of Graduate Students. In 1969 Vernon was appointed the position of Director of the NCA of Colleges and Schools and later the Executive Director of NSSE, one of the top 10 Educational organizations in the US, all while teaching in the Doctoral Program in School Administration at Indiana University and traveling all over the world to evaluate Schools. While at Indiana, Vernon became an avid IU Football Fan and IU Basketball Fan. He was an IU ticket holder since the day he arrived in Bloomington in 1964 and has been a Varsity Club member for many years. He was dearly loved by all is Doctoral Students who have supported him throughout his retirement.

Vernon retired from Indiana University in 1994 and was able to spend many good times with his wife, children, grandchildren, and later great grandchildren. He attended St. Paul United Methodist Church for over 35 years and was a R.O.M.E.O club member (retired old men eating out) He loved to work on his lawn and had beautiful flowers flourishing in his yard every year. He was a proud Father, a loving Grandpa, caring friend, fun loving Uncle, favorite Brother, and a die-hard IU sports fan. Well done thy good and faithful servant…

A celebration of life will be held at Day Funeral Home at 4:00pm with a service starting at 6:30 and ending at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the NEVER LOSE HOOP FUND/assisting kids effected by Cancer, P.O. Box 5064 Bloomington, IN 47407or the GARDNER/PACE TADPOLE MEMORIAL, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, PO Box 2534 Bloomington, IN 47402

Online Condolences may be given at www.dayfuneralservices.com