Vernon H. Lanctot

Vernon H. Lanctot, age 93, passed away on September 26, 2023. He was born on April 30, 1930, and grew up in a small village of Gentilly, Minnesota. He attended elementary school district 20, a one-room public school and attended Cathedral High School in Crookston, Minnesota, graduating in 1948. He continued his education at Crosier Preparatory Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota and graduated in 1951. He later graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas in 1964 with a Bachelors in English, Latin and History. He also did graduate work at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa and Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

He completed four years of active-duty military service in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955. He was stationed in San Antonio at Brooks and Kelly Air Force Bases.

He began his teaching career teaching high school English and Latin at St. Mary’s High School in Fredericksburg, Texas in 1964-1965. He continued his teaching career in the San Antonio Independent School District at Sam Houston High School and Tafolla Middle School where he retired from teaching in June 1992 after teaching Latin, English and History with 31 years of teaching credit. He continued his teaching career in SAISD as a full-time substitute teacher from 1992 to June 2, 2017, for 25 years for a total of 56 years. He cherished the time he spent with his students and fellow teachers.

Vernon and Hazel Marie were married on September 12, 1959, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on September 12, 2023. They have four children: Anthony Charles (Ana Pura) Lanctot, Joan Elizabeth (John) Stephenson, Nancy Marie Lanctot Lopez and Christopher Mark Lanctot. They have five grandchildren: Ryan Stephenson, Alixandria Rowe (Miguel Castellanos), Jennifer (Andrew) Gibeau, Samantha Lopez, Alyssa Lopez and three great grandchildren Emilia Castellanos Rowe, Brody Gibeau, and Baylor Gibeau.

He was honored to be an active member of the Knights of Columbus council #9967 and assembly #3191 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He joined the Knights of Columbus on January 18, 1959, in Crystal-Robbinsdale, Minnesota council #3656. He had an energetic spirit about him which led him to recruit multiple members into the Knights of Columbus. He served this organization by becoming a mentor to younger members. Vernon valued the commitment his fellow members had to the service of others.

He was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Eddie, and Delia M. Lanctot and Sister Joan Lanctot CSJ. He is survived by his brother Edwin B. Lanctot.

Both Vernon and Hazel were active members at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in San Antonio Texas for over forty years until they moved to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in September 2002 to continue their service. He participated in many of the church ministries: Eucharistic minister and Lector for over 17 years, Parish council president, School Board President, and teacher of CCD.

Vernon is remembered by his family and friends as a devoted husband and Christian, a loving and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a witty, friendly man who took a sincere interest in talking and listening to everyone he met. Vernon was a true gentleman, always thinking of others. He was kind and generous with his time, often going out of his way to help friends and neighbors. In his spare time, he was an avid gardener, reader, a Latin master, and a puzzle enthusiast. He loved spending time with his family and sharing stories of his past. He will be forever remembered and greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing such an inspiring man.

A funeral mass for Vernon will be held Monday, October 16, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 20523 Huebner Rd

San Antonio, TX 78258.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetNorthFuneralHome.com for the Lanctot family.