Vern will be remembered by his family and friends as a gifted, wise, kind and gentle man who loved to serve. He was deeply devoted to his wife, family and his Lord. He had a remarkable gift for creating and building, which he used to bless his children, grandchildren and many others who simply asked for his help.
Vern grew up on Fern Hill Farm in Warrensburg and attended a one-room schoolhouse during his early elementary grades, graduating from College High School in 1954. He attended McPherson College in Kansas for two years, and then served two more years in Brethren Volunteer Service (1956-58). This included caring for 50 cows on a two-week, winter transport across the Atlantic on a freighter to Germany and working with farmers as part of the post-war Heifer Project.
During Brethren Service training, Vern met Carol Sue Stephens. He knew instantly that she would be the love of his life! They courted for two months, but distance and obligations limited them to written correspondence for two years. They wed on December 7, 1958 in Wenatchee, WA, then took over the family farm in Missouri and operated it for several years. While on the farm, their “best crop” of three children, Diana, Brenda, and Brian, was realized.
Looking for change, Vern furthered his education and graduated in 1967 from Central Missouri State College with a master’s degree in industrial technology.
The young family then moved to Spokane, where Vern taught electronics at Rogers High School for two years, during which he developed the school’s electronics lab. The family moved back to Warrensburg for him to teach at Central Missouri State, but their love of the Pacific Northwest caused them to return 9 months later. Vern then taught industrial arts at Garry Middle School until his retirement in 1992.
In 1974 Vern applied his skills to design and handcraft a beautiful home for his family on Five Mile. 11 years later, more bedrooms were added to welcome to the Scott family 3 teenaged nieces and a young nephew following the death of his sister, Mary Ellen.
In 1986, he set about building the family cabin on Lake Coeur d’ Alene, where family and friends continue to grow memories. Even after retirement, Vern continued his passion for construction and remodeling, completing major renovations or new home construction for all 3 of his children.
Vern’s heritage was in the Church of the Brethren, but in the early 1970’s, his faith in Jesus Christ was reignited by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit as part of the “Jesus People” movement. He delighted in studying and discussing Scripture, experiencing worship, and enjoying Christian community. He served as an elder in various local churches, and was involved in leading home groups and men’s Bible studies for many years. He and Carol were founding and active members of Indian Trail Church. Vern’s love for God was an example to his family and many others. Even as his mind faded in his later years, he still could lead beautifully in prayer.
Vern is survived by his wife, Carol, and children; Diana Walters (Kelly), Brenda Reardon (Scott), and Brian (Tanya); nieces Yolanda Williams, Wendy Weyer, Anissa Scott, and nephew Ben Fear. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Daniel, Anna, Joshua, Stephanie, Michelle, Jennifer, and Zachary and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by seven siblings and daughter-in-law, Kristen Scott.
A memorial will be held Thursday, August 3, 2:00 PM at Indian Trail Church, 9010 N. Indian Trail Rd. A private burial will be held at a later time. The family would like to thank Horizon Hospice of Spokane and Faith Adult Family Home of Spokane for their loving care and support during Vern’s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to 2nd Harvest of Spokane, Meals on Wheels or a food bank in your area.
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