Mr. James E Vernon

James was the oldest of eight children born to Virgil and Violet (Berry) Vernon. He grew up and attended school in Crete, NE graduating from Crete High School in 1957 despite running away from his kindergarten classes and hiding out at the Tiger Inn on the Doane College campus.

Immediately following graduating he enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard, where he led the cleanup efforts of the fatal anhydrous ammonia spill in Crete on February 18, 1969, when a train derailed traveling through town.

He attended Officer Cadet School, graduating as Second Lieutenant, after serving in Korea, the Vietnam War, Stuttgart Germany and numerous military bases in the United States, he retired May 1, 1987 as a Major with 30 years of service to our country. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star and other numerous medals, awards and accommodations.

He is preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Violet (Berry). Brother’s Eldon, Robert, and John, sister-in-law Marsha Vernon and brother-in-law Daryl Blue.

He is survived by sons Mark (Colleen) of Lincoln, Brent (Janell) of Wilber, Neil (Jody) of Reno, NV, Wade (Kim) of Fairbury and daughter Michelle (Michael) Kliment of Dorchester.

Besides his military career James was most proud of his grand and great grandchildren. Grandchildren, Dawn (Nick) Havlat of Lincoln, Derek Vernon of Lincoln, Heather (Chad) Woods of Huntington WV, Josh (Amy) Vernon of Napoleon OH, Zach (LaTonya) Vernon of Somerset KY, Ethan (Hope) Vernon of Dunwoody GA, Sam (Jessica) Vernon of Fayetteville GA, Landon Vernon of Fayetteville GA, Danielle (Landon) Stewart of Louisville NE, Elliott Vernon of Lincoln NE, Nicholle (Arik) Todd of Ashland NE, Meghan Kliment of Crete NE, Michael Kliment II of Crete NE and Tanner Kliment of Dorchester NE. Great grandchildren Preston, Liam, Stella, Aibreanne, Tristyn, Bladan, Nicholas, Lexi, Sierra, Kenli, Zoey, Nora, Cooper, Zander, Waker, Basil, Violet, Skye, Ellie and August.

James is also survived by brothers Fritz (Marsha) Vernon of Pleasant Dale NE, William Vernon and Donald Vernon of Crete and sister extraordinaire Debra Hammond of Lincoln and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of James would like to also recognize special people in his life. The staff and nurses at Tabitha (Martha House), Tabitha hospice care nurses, Pastor Kyu Lee, Caregiver Nondo Merano and Deb Cole.

James was a member of the VFW and American Legion and longtime member of the Havelock Methodist Church.

A visitation will be held Wednesday December 20, 2023 from 6-8 P.M. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Friday January 5, 2024 at 2 P.M. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Memorials are to the family for future designation, can be made out to the James Vernon Memorial and sent to Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.