Vernard Hughes Webb

Vernard Hughes Webb Vernard Hughes Webb, 92, peacefully passed away on Veteran's Day, Thursday, November 11, 2010, at his home, Ashley Farm, in Charlottesville.

He leaves his wife of 65 years, Katie Louis Webb; his children, William C. Webb, Nancy Webb Rendo, Stephen R. Webb, and Monica Bryant; his grandchildren, Andrew C. Rendo, Nicholas A. Webb, Farren A. Webb, Orion Webb, Erika Ray, and Ethan Bryant; his great-granddaughter, Gianna Ray; and many close friends.

Born and raised in Letcher County, Kentucky, Vern lived an exceptional life. The first in his family to go to college, Vern graduated from Berea College in 1940. A fervent patriot, he joined the Army Air Corps the day after Pearl Harbor, and was assigned as a bombardier and flew 30 combat missions over Europe during World War II. The next 40 years of his career were dedicated to the photo reconnaissance efforts of the United States Air Force and the Central Intelligence Agency. His work as one of the developers of the CORONA Spy Satellite program was recognized with an award, naming him as a "Space Pioneer" that was presented by Al Gore.

Vern had a passion for the environment and was a lifelong conservationist. His last civil service position was as director of photo interpretation for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Throughout his entire life he was a mentor to many young men in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master of Troop 497 in Sunnyvale, California, and Troop 1533 in Fairfax.

In the later years of his life, Vern retired to Ashley Farm where he continued the journey of service to his community. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Vern was a stranger to no one and a friend to all.

A funeral service will be held 4 p.m. Saturday, November 20, 2010, at the Hill and Wood Funeral Home with the Reverend Sidney Craig officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to Berea College in his honor. Donations can be made online at www.berea.edu or through the mail: Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.