Wayne Vernon

Wayne Preston Vernon, 81, lifelong resident of Orem, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2015 due to the results of a stroke. Wayne was born January 26, 1934 to Orson Preston & Verna Mary Mecham Vernon, on State Street when it was a gravel road. The family moved to a new home on 600 West where Wayne lived in this neighborhood for 81 years as a good neighbor to all. Wayne went to the old Sharon School where his Aunt Ruth was his teacher. He graduated from Lincoln High School and Trade School as a welder. He married Vona Dee Carter on January 14, 1954 in the Manti Temple. They settled in his neighborhood where they raised 5 children. They built and lived in 3 beautiful homes. One was right across the street from the church house that he helped build. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as bishopric counselor and for over 50 years in scouting. He helped many boys become Eagle Scouts. He received the Silver Beaver award for his service. He worked in the Open Hearth at Geneva Steel for 34 years until his retirement. Wayne was a brick mason and a woodworker, making cannons & Gatling guns with his friend Karl Furr. His hobbies were comic books, puzzles, Disneyland, and making miniature stagecoaches. He loved to travel with his children, brothers & sisters and friends. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Vona Dee: his 5 children who he loved dearly: Tommy Wayne (Kathy Maag) Orem; DaNece Maag (Jeff Maag) Orem; Jackie Guthrie (Dixon Guthrie) South Jordan; Annette Vernon Hovey, Lehi; Sue Hansen (Gary Hansen) Orem. 16 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. His brothers and sisters: Lynn & Bonnie Vernon, Orem; Carl & Linda Vernon, Anchorage; Carma & Dennis Jones, South Jordan, Sandra & Ed Montague, Sandy, brother-in-law Delos & Cleo Carter, Genola. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister Lois Vernon Thacker. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 28, 2015, at 12 noon in the Geneva Heights Stake Center, 546 N 500 W in Orem. Friends and family are invited to visit Sunday evening from 6-8 pm at the Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home, 495 South State St in Orem, and also Monday from 10 to 11:45 am at the stake center. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Special thanks to Envision Hospice - especially Shelley and Ginselvi.

---