Vern was a hometown hero whose youthful adventures quickly became the stuff of legends and who lived his life with an emphasis on truly living.
A staunch individualist who took pride in being "Abby Normal". He liked what he liked, believed what he believed, and refused to be swayed by trends or other's opinions. He was unstoppable at Music Trivia, played guitar badly but joyously, and loved an eclectic mix of Rock and Roll from all eras,
Tall and handsome. Strong willed and often too smart for his own good. An avid motorcyclist and the kind of father, husband, and friend you could always depend on to set you straight when you were wrong, help you back up when you fell, and somehow still get you to smile no matter how dire the situation.
He was a Veteran who spent 22 years in the Army serving his country before finally retiring. A man who believed in solving problems rather than wallowing in helplessness, he then spent over a decade "saving the environment" as an environmental technician.
His refusal to conform to the status quo carried into fatherhood. Whether it was making his kids learn how to Time Warp, persistently encouraging his daughters to form an all girl rock band despite a marked lack of talent, or announcing his arrival for an unscheduled visit at 2 am by blasting "Hey Mickey" through the house at full volume until someone came out to greet him... he was always the coolest Dad on the block.
Vern was a larger than life force of nature that refused to let age or failing health tame him, and his absence will forever echo in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.
He is survived by sisters Alice Coleman, Jaqueline McIlwain, Vadona Cunningham, Veronica Stankiewicz, and Vicki-Jo Lucky; Brother Vadon McIlwain; Sally McIlwain and their daughters Virginia Sabala, Vanessa Yantiz, and Victoria Simmons; and grandchildren Ronald Simmons, Connor Sabala, Denise Simmons, Miracle Yantiz, and Korbin Yantiz.
He will be watching from heaven with his parents Vadon and Catherine Mcilwain; brother Vana Mcilwain, sister Vanda Mcilwain, and son Vern James Mcilwain II.
Services will be held on January 10th, 2020 at 3:00pm at:
Central Texas Veteran's Cemetery
11493 State Hwy 195
Killeen, TX 76542.
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