Vernon was born on June 19, 1938, in San Augustine, Texas to the late Ira “Ray” McLemore and Opal Hensarling McLemore. Vernon was a staff sergeant on active duty in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1962. He was then in the US Air Force Reserves from 1961-1966. After his years of service, Vernon worked in the family Locker Plant alongside his father Ray. During this time they also opened the first McLemore Laundry in San Augustine. He treasured the community of San Augustine and wanted the people to have a nice laundry in town. McLemore Laundry has grown to four locations and continues to be a family business.
Mr. McLemore was married to his loving wife Brenda on June 19th, 1984. Vernon was a Christian man with deeply embedded Christian values and had a passion for studying the bible and sharing the word. In his younger years, Vernon enjoyed his only hunting love; that of quail hunting. He had a zeal for training and working his quail dogs. He was also an avid beekeeper. Vernon had a farm and cattle in the Chireno area where he spent much time up until his stroke in 2010. His years of working with cattle led him to enjoy attending the cattle auction each week even up until the past couple of weeks. He also had numerous friends in the community who he enjoyed playing dominoes with weekly. Most recently, Vernon also enjoyed spending time with his sweet little great-grandchildren Hailey, Caden, Kash, Hurley, Abby and Calvin.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Linda Ann McLemore Jackson; and a great-grandson, Kase. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Brenda McLemore of Nacogdoches, Texas; his children, Varron McLemore and wife Rae Janette of Nacogdoches, Texas; Sarah McLemore Hudgins and husband Todd of Athens, Alabama; Angela Strong and husband Curtis of Bryan, Texas; Michelle Strong and husband Barry of Flower Mound, Texas; Melissa Crabtree of Bryan, Texas; 12 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.
His funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel officiated by Alton Shaw. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine, Texas. There will be a time of visitation for family and friends from 6:00 – 8:00 Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Vincent Eric McLemore, Elliott Jackson, Nicholas Jackson, Christopher Strong, Garrett Hudgins, James Gaines, Bradley Lusk, and Ryan McAllister. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lenvelle Stanaland, Truman Hudgins, Larry Jackson, Jamie Santoyo Flores, Lud Davis, and Mike Fussell.
Please visit www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com to leave your online condolences and memories.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.
