Lawrence Vernon

Lawrence Ernest (Larry) Vernon of Dardanelle passed away peacefully at his beloved home at the foot of Mt. Nebo on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Larry was born on April 24, 1938, in Hodgenville, Kentucky, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, to Clarence Oliver and Josie Barnes Vernon. He moved to Arkansas after marrying the love of his life, Linda Owen, whom he met while they were both serving in the United States Air Force.

In March 1957 Larry completed basic training and instruction as a medic at Lackland Air Force Base. He attended Air Evac School at Montgomery Air Force Base and was later stationed at the US Base at Rhein Mein, Germany, for three years. His duties included flying service men and women and their families all over Europe. Larry also was responsible for transporting patients to hospitals in Landstuh, Frankfort, and Weisbaden, Germany.

After being discharged from the Air Force, Larry Began his career as a powerhouse operator and administer at the Dardanelle Lock and Dam for 32 years. After retiring in 1998, Larry earned a degree in emergency management from Arkansas Tech University. In 2002 he became the service officer for veterans, as well as the service officer for the DAV. After 20 years of helping veterans and their families, Larry retired but still helped veterans any way he could for the rest of his life.

Anyone who knew Larry knew his greatest love was his family. His grandchildren called him Gada, which started with his oldest grandson, Justin. Larry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linda, of Dardanelle; his daughter Kim Hubbard and son-in-law Steve of Russellville; and his son Mike Vernon and daughter-in-law and special caretaker Amber of Dardanelle. Larry's pride and joy were his five grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and great-great granddaughter; Justin Bond and wife Megan of Greenbrier; Kelsey Hubbard of Russellville; and Abby, Kalli, and Bradley Vernon, of Dardanelle; as well as great-granddaughter, Paris Bond and great-great-granddaughter Zayan. Larry is also survived by many beloved family members in Kentucky, including his brother Jimmy Vernon, sisters Linda Metcalf, Dot Roark, and Sandra Lawler, and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dave and Sally Rickard, of Fort Smith, and their family.

Loved ones that went home before Larry include his son Steven Owen Vernon, his parents Ollie and Josie Vernon, sisters Catherine Brown and Jean Miner, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law J.F. Owen, Jr. and Kathleen Owen.

Larry had two passions in life – his family and helping veterans and others who were in need. He loved playing with his grandchildren, from wrestling with Justin when he was little to hanging out with his special buddy, Bradley. His granddaughters were a source of pride and love for their Gada as well. Larry Liked to watch sports, especially the Arkansas Razorbacks and any team his grandchildren played for. Larry loved camping and hunting at the cabin in Cass with his father-in-law Pug and brother-in-law Dave. At the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry Larry won many trophies log chopping, winning log sawing contests against men much larger than him. He was a man of strength, both physically and in his heart.

One of the many honors Larry received in his life was the presentation of a beautiful comfort quilt by the DAV for his service as a veteran and an advocate for all veterans. The quilt was one of his most cherished possessions because it represented Larry's compassion for helping the men and women who serve in the military to keep America safe and free.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, December 15, 2025, at Cornwell Funeral Chapel in Dardanelle with Mark Thone officiating. Visitation will held Monday, 9-10 a.m. at the chapel prior to the service. Everyone who loved Larry and whose lives he touched are welcome to attend to celebrate the life of this extraordinary man. Graveside service will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Ozark.

Pallbearers will be Steve Hubbard, Justin Bond, Dave Rickard, Jeff Rickard, Kenny Poore and Wayne Poore.

Honorary pallbearers will be the DAV/Veterans Services for Yell and Pope Counties, Robert Jones, Rodney Nichols, Todd Bevil, Colten Tackett, Len Cotton, Jim Goodman and Ronnie Carter.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremations in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www. cornwellfuneralhomes.com.