Vernon Sidney Harryman was born in Joplin, Jasper, Missouri, February 27, 1933 to Sidney Charleston Harryman and Eliza DeMasters of Joplin, MO both preceding him in his passing. Vernon is also preceded in his passing by his four sisters, Marilyn Louise (Brille), Madeline Etta (Kelly), Dorothy Jean (Wyble), Barbara Ann (Hughes) and brother, Billy Lee. Vernon’s loving wife, Joan is with us and together have three children, Dianne, Stephanie and John and four grandchildren, Jessica Libby, Melissa Libby Hartley, husband Wesley, John Austin Harryman and Matthew Davis Harryman. Vernon attended Joplin High School where he enjoyed playing football and ran track. He also enjoyed music at the school. Joplin High School is also where he met his wife of 69 years, Joan Burkett Harryman also of Joplin, MO at the bus stop and became acquainted and dated. After graduation, Vernon received his draft into the United States Military, Army division to go into the Korean War. He became a tank gunner and attained the rank of Corporal. Yes, he was a true Radar O’Reilly (MASH). After an honorable discharge they returned to Joplin, Missouri where they had their first daughter, Dianne Lynn, husband Daniel K. Libby, in October of 1955. Soon after in the summer of 1960, Vernon and Joan moved to Houston, Texas and settled in the southwest part of the city where they remained for 63 years. Here in Houston they had two more children, Stephanie Ann, husband Dr. Ross Tonini and John Harrison, wife Mary Elizabeth.
Vernon went to work right away and hired on the spot for TRW Mission Oil Product’s where he started as Journeyman in the creation of Oil Drilling Bits and became a Foreman for the company. He retired from the company after 35 years. During Vernon’s lifetime in Houston, he and his wife became quickly recognized as leader’s and served their community and city in several ways. Together they supported their children in their endeavors. Both were involved in HISD as School President’s and were recognized as Parent’s of The Year. Supporter’s of the then new and part of the development of The High School For the Performing and Visual Arts, Dance and Music Department’s from its beginning’s. For their neighborhood they help lead their neighborhood as Section 2 Leader’s, COP (Citizen on Patrol Program), National Night Out and receiving top awards for the best turnout and appearance of “Come Meet Your Neighbor” and neighborhood parade’s for the Westwood Neighborhood. Vernon is a graduate of The Citizen Police Academy, Class 10, with Houston Police Department. As you can tell their life together has been one of a team effort and shows. Their eldest daughter, Dianne, went on to become an known artist in Portland, Maine with works in various galleries. Stephanie, middle daughter is currently a Soprano with the Houston Choral Society and their youngest, son John is the Project Manager at CBE.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Harryman family.
