Vern "Muffin" Dailey

1929 - 2012

Dailey, Vern aka "Muffin" Funeral services for Vern Dailey, aka "Muffin", 83, of Wills Point, are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 7, 2012, at Hiett's LyBrand Chapel in Wills Point, TX, with Dr. Billy Watson officiating. Burial will follow at White Rose Cemetery. Vern passed away Thursday, October 4, 2012, in Wills Point. Vernon Augustus Dailey, was born in Alba, TX, on September 12, 1929, to Robert and RosaLie Dowdy Dailey. He graduated from Emory High School and attended a Commercial Art School. Vern married Joyce Ridenhour and they made their home in the Dallas Metroplex. Joyce preceded him in death and he later married Jimmie Nabors. He and Jimmie moved to Wills Point to make their home in 1974. Jimmie also preceded Vern in death. Vern joined the WFAA family in December of 1955, and retired after forty-one years. Vern produced and directed numerous shows, but gained his fame as producer and puppeteer, most famous, being Muffin, for the Mr. Peppermint Show from 1961, and until retirement in 1996. Vern is a much published cartoonist and poet, as well as a proud member of the Dallas Songwriter's Association, where he was recognized as "Songwriter of the Year" for six years. He was also a two-time first-place winner in American Songwriter Magazine's lyric contest in Nashville, Tennessee. Vern has six songs covered by independent artist in Nashville, Houston and Austin. He is currently co-writing, with Doug Gabriel, the Doug Gabriel-Roy Clark show in Branson, Missouri. Now working as director for The Van Zandt Community Theater in Wills Point, Texas, Vern has appeared in several of their productions. He keeps Muffin, and other Peppermint puppets, alive on his "KID'S KORNER" page of COUNTY LINE magazine, which covers all of East Texas. Vern will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Vern is preceded in death by his two wives, Joyce Dailey and Jimmie Dailey, an infant son, step-son, Gary Lee, great-grand-daughter, Stevie Rae Johnson and brother, Floyd Dailey. He is survived by sons, Gary Dailey and wife Tracy, and Greg Dailey and wife Debra; daughters, Debbie Dailey, and Jan Carter; sister, Bobbie Dailey; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held Saturday evening 6:00-8:00 PM, at the funeral home in Wills Point. www.hlfhs.com Hiett's LyBrand Funeral Home Wills Point, Tx 903-873-2242