Obituary

Vernon S. Shuman, 70, died Wednesday (Dec. 8, 2010) at Via Christi-St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.

He was born on June 21, 1940, in Payette, Idaho, to Vernon Sener and Edna (Somner) Shuman. On Sept. 18, 1972, he married Lola M. Forbus (Irby) in Carson City, Nev., and she survives of the home. Vernon was a retired conductor for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He is a retired former U.S. Marine attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, as well as a tour in Laos, where he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, among other awards and merits. Vernon was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and in years gone by, enjoyed fishing and painting in his spare time. He also was an avid collector of and had a passion for military memorabilia, especially from the World War II era. Vernon had a love of dogs, especially his special little dog Annie. He enjoyed history and was a loving husband and father and looked forward to spending time with his family.

He also is survived by his sons, Michael and his wife Tessie Shuman of Waipahu, Hawaii, Chris and his wife Bobbie Shuman of Newton, James and his wife Tami Forbus of Middleburg, Fla., and Faron Forbus of Wichita; daughter, Audrey and her husband John Glidewell of Klamath Falls, Ore.; brother, Robert and his wife Sharon Shuman of Sacramento, Calif.; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton with the Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell presiding. Entombment with military honors will be at the Halstead City Mausoleum in Halstead. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Heights United Methodist Church or Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Petersen Funeral Home.