Vern Feltner

A Tribute to an Incredible Man and a Life Well Lived

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, and friend.

Vern Feltner, age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain, NC. Born on February 1, 1937, in Wooten, KY, Vern moved with his parents, Anna Palmer Feltner and John Feltner, to Hamilton, OH, where he spent his childhood. A dedicated student, Vern was recognized for never missing a single day of school from grades 1 through 12.

He went on to attend Miami University in Oxford, OH, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. It was there, as a proud member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, that he met the love of his life, Sally Neher Feltner. They married in 1960 in Elkhart, Indiana, before moving overseas for Vern's service as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, stationed in the Azores.

Upon returning to the U.S., Vern began an impressive career in executive administration, holding leadership roles with companies such as Will Ross, GD Searle, Alcon, and others. He furthered his education by earning a Master's Degree in Business from Harvard University.

Vern and Sally built a rich and adventurous life together, calling many places home over the years - Connecticut, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Texas, Colorado, California - before settling into retirement in Weaverville, NC. Wherever they went, they made lifelong friendships and lasting memories.

Vern was a man of many talents and passions. He was involved in local theater, loved playing softball and basketball, and was an accomplished golfer, winning numerous club championships in Texas, Indiana, and North Carolina. He and Sally also shared a love for skiing in New England and Colorado.

But perhaps most memorable was Vern's passion for music. It began in college, singing in a quartet, and blossomed into a lifelong joy of performing. Known affectionately as "Johnny Velvet," Vern and his musician cohorts entertained family, friends, and community members bringing smiles to countless faces through concerts and charity events. His family loved to sit around and listen to Vern and his brother-in-law, Jim Neher aka "Jason Cord" play and sing for hours.

Vern's life was defined by his unwavering principles, his joyful laughter, and the countless stories he shared. He leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and integrity - values he instilled in his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Sally Feltner (88) and their furry companion Oliver; his daughters Lisa Feltner Apelian and son-in-law Don Apelian of Weaverville, NC, and Lori Feltner Lewis and Scott Parker of Keller, TX; his grandchildren Gary and Nora Dyer, and their daughter Celia (3) and soon-to-arrive son Wyatt of Houston, TX; Bryan Dyer and Trisha Craddock, and their children Kennedy (4) and Hunter (1) of Austin, TX; and Dr. McKenna Lewis of Houston, TX.

Though words cannot fully express our loss, we take great comfort in the love he gave, the joy he brought, and the lessons he passed on. His light will continue to shine through the lives he touched. We honor Vern's life and hold him close in our hearts, forever grateful for the time we had together.

With love and remembrance,

His Family