Mark Alan Vernon
1966 - 2016
Obituary
Mark Alan Vernon, 49, passed away
Thursday (March 31, 2016).
Mark was born on April 10, 1966, in
Concordia to Kenny and Diane Vernon. He was the middle of three
children, having two sisters.
Mark grew up in the small community of
Glasco, Kansas. As a young child, hearing the emergency sirens, he
would rush to ready himself. Donning his fireman's hat and furry red
and black fireman's coat, he would ride his tricycle down to the
nearest corner. The fire chief would then pick him up to accompany
them on local calls. Mark was affectionately considered a member of
the team; with a CB handle of "Little Beaver."
His mother remembered his father
teaching him to drive- or so she thought. As it turns out, his father
thought his mother was doing the same- all the while, Mark was
teaching himself by doing laps around the fertilizer tank.
Mark had an affinity for farm equipment
his entire life and wouldn't pass up the opportunity to get in and
drive every chance he had. He enjoyed working side-by-side with his
father and his fertilizer business and interacting with the local
stockman was a favorite activity.
As a teen, he worked at a local
restaurant, La Tapatia.
Although he experienced ongoing health
concerns throughout his life, they never slowed him down. Mark loved
to travel and lived in several states including Alaska for a number
of years.
Mark will be fondly remembered for his
forgiving spirit and willingness to help anyone he could. He touched
the lives of many by being a resource in times of community need and
always stood in defense of the downtrodden and less fortunate.
Proceeding him in death were his
grandparents, Glenn and Pearl Vernon, and Kenny and Irma Schwartz.
Mark is survived by his son Justin
Harder of Newton; parents Kenny and Diane Vernon of Newton; sisters
Connie Wick of New Holstein, Wisconsin, and Christy Million of
Newton; three granddaughters, Riley, Elizabeth, and Zoey; and his two
beloved boxers, Dexter and Heidi.
As cremation has been effected,
inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Caring Hands
Humane Society. They can be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home,
120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
Condolences may be left at
www.broadwaycolonialfh.com
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial
Funeral Home, Newton.
