He was a life member of First English Lutheran Church and graduate from Patti Welder High School in 1941. In 1944-1946 he served in the U.S. Army and was among the first troops to be sent to Japan to serve for one year, while there the troops supervised Japanese civilians who repaired runways and buildings. Vernon was a lifetime member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars. Returning home after his service to his country, he continued with the major focus of his life-- agriculture. He retired at the age of 88 from farming and raising cattle.
Vernon was farmer/cooperator on a 32-acre test plot for the Research and Development of Funk Seed products and seeds. Early research of Bi-Cep and Round-up were conducted on this plot.
He was an active member of Victoria County Farm Bureau and several times served as president, being named Pioneer Farmer in 2011. Serving as Chairman of the Victoria County Building Program Committee in 1975 and was on the Famer Home Owner Administration committee in the 1970’s he was also active with the Stroman High School Agriculture Cooperative Program. In 1987 Vernon was selected Region 3 President Conservation Farmer, he was past chairman of the Antique Equipment at the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show.
Vernon was a hardworking, innovative, progressive farmer/rancher who truly loved the land and all the wonders and beauty of nature.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, George Waida.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Lyn K. Fertsch Waida; daughter, Lynette Caley of Denton; son, Wayne (Sandy) Waida of Victoria and five grandchildren, Hannah Winn, Kristin Young U.S.A.F., Katie Moore, Troy Waida and Taylor Waida.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Sodalis Elder Living for their care and understanding.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 from 6-7 PM at Rosewood Funeral Chapels. Funeral services will be 2 PM on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at First English Lutheran Church with Rev. Jim Pearson officiating. Interment with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council will be held at Wood Hi Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Kusak, Lawrence Waida, Kenneth Johnson, Jeff Boatman, Jack Fitzgerald and Roger Hempel. Honorary pallbearers are Andy Startz, Robert Obsta, Anna Menotti, Alfred Hempel, John Larson, Sid Hoermann, Donnie Hempel and Ronnie Elkins.
Memorials may be made to the First English Lutheran Church Altar Guild, 516 N. Main, Victoria, TX 77901.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
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