Thomas Vernon

Thomas Jefferson Vernon Mr. Thomas Jefferson Vernon, 99, a Rural Retreat, Va., farmer and business-man died Thursday, April 8, 2010, at Carrington Place in Wytheville. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Mr. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Magdeline "Maggie" Helton Vernon and Emmett Lee Vernon of Marion; his wife, Edna Neff Vernon of Rural Retreat; a brother, Winston Wesley Vernon of Marion; and a grandson, Larry Vernon of Rural Retreat. Thomas was born in Marion, Va., on January 13, 1911. He loved his family. As a son, he cared for his parents and kept their home repairs done. Many Saturdays found him working at their farm in Laurel Springs. As a husband and father, he set a good Christian example, asking that his children do their best. After retiring from office management, he reached his dream of cattle farming in lovely Rural Retreat. He, his son and daughter-in-law were a team as they loved and preserved the Neff family farm. He would comment, "By the grace of God" and "If the Lord is willing" as he lived. His deep religious beliefs guided him to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with his God. We, the family, acknowledge with grateful appreciation, the staff of Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing at Carrington Place, the staff at both Bristol Regional Hospital and Wythe County Community Hospital for the kind and gentle care shown him for many months. Mr. Vernon is survived by one daughter, Ann Vernon Charlton of Earlysville, Va.; and one son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Sandra Vernon of Rural Retreat; four grandchildren, Jane Charlton-Otte and husband Bob Otte, Bill Charlton and wife Yasmin K. Charlton, Krysla Vernon Folsom and husband Tim Folsom and Thomas P. "Chip" Vernon; eight great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Charlie, Harrison Otte, Maya Charlton, Christina, Maria, Alex and Timmy Folsom. Also surviving are a nephew, Fletcher Lee Vernon; a dear devoted first cousin, Mary Ella Goodman DeAtley and her daughter, Mary Ann DeAtley Jewett; and a special friend and neighbor, Susan Dutton. A graveside service will be held 12 noon Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the Roselawn Cemetery in Marion, Va., with Pastor Jonathan Hamman officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church, 514 Main St., Rural Retreat, VA 24368, the Town of Rural Retreat recreation area/walking track, PO box 130, Rural Retreat, VA 24368, or to the Rural Retreat Lake. Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, Va., is in charge of arrangements.