Lifetime Adna resident, Vernon Howard John, passed away at the age of 83, at his home, Oct. 8, 2016, with his family by his side. He was born July 15, 1933, in Adna, Wash., (Crego Hill), to Paul and Esther (Peterson) John. Vernon graduated from Adna High School in 1953. He participated in all sports and was an outstanding athlete.
In January 1956, Vernon married his high school sweetheart, Yvonne Unterwegner. Vernon was called to serve in the U.S. Army for two years from 1956-1958, where he was stationed in Germany. Yvonne joined him in Germany and they welcomed their first born daughter, Kathy, in 1957. Vernon and Yvonne had many wonderful experiences traveling. He also served four years in the United States Army Reserve. After returning home to Adna, they were blessed with two daughters, Donna and Cheryl.
Vernon worked as a heavy duty mechanic for 50 years and the last 18 at the Centralia Coal Mine. He has always been one hardworking son-of-a-gun and was a mountain of a man.
His past-time was work, work, work. He also had many extra jobs to provide for his family, such as hauling gravel, farming, raising cattle, planting a garden, tending to fruit trees and harvesting the fall crops.
After retirement, he was able to enjoy all the family activities and traveled to many countries with the love of his life, Yvonne. Vernon had a great love for his family. The last years of his life were spent riding his four-wheeler around the property to do chores.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Frances, Louise, Hazel, Frances, and Betty; and brothers, Paul, Daniel, Arnold, Elton and Andrew.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne John of Adna; daughters, Kathy (Russ) Naillon, Donna (Rory) Veal and Cheryl (Scott) Ericksen; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Delores (John) Adolphson; and many extended family members.
A visitation will be held 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, followed by a funeral service at 9:30 a.m. Both will be held at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, Centralia. A graveside service will follow at Claquato Cemetery, Chehalis. A reception will follow at Veterans Memorial Museum, Chehalis.
Memorials may be donations to, Adna Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 93, Adna, WA 98522, or a charity of your choice.
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