Vernon W. Lascelles

Vernon W. Lascelles, 84, of Havana, passed away at his home at 12:45 a.m., on Saturday, August 3, 2024. He was born on March 16, 1940, in Mason County, Illinois, to Wilmer and Bertha (Dierker) Lascelles. He married Marla M. Dye on August 10, 1959.
Mr. Lascelles is survived by his wife Marla, of Havana; three daughters: Kim (Gary) Thomas of Havana, Chris (Dan)Wilson of Havana and Kathy (Mark)Vera of California; six grandchildren: Jaclyn (Josh)Jones, Tricia (Mike Jacobs) Thomas, Megan (Corey)Friedrich, Brett Wilson, Geffin (Emma)Vera, and Riley Vera; and seven great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Kaitlyn and Zachary Jones, Jaiden and Kian Jacobs, Ainsley Friedrich andCooper Vera. Along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother: Robert Lascelles.
Vernon owned Phillips 66 in Havana, Il for 19 years which is where he met the love of his life Marla. Their first date was in his prized 1957 Chevy to A&W Root beer.
Vernon started working at FS for 10 years in the tire service department. Vernon was a hard worker and dedicated to his work ethics, because of this, he was able to reach goals numerous times and win cruises to take his beloved wife Marla to different countries. Vernon was also a member of Jaycee's which he said helping all the kids every year always felt like a huge accomplishment.
Vern and Marla loved to travel it didn't matter where to go see deer, turkeys, family or just drive around.
Vern had a smile and a laugh that could light up any room. He was a happy place. He was your biggest cheerleader. Always, telling you how proud of you he was. He loved to share stories from his past. It didn't matter if you were mad, sad, down he would be able to tell and he would tell you some goofy story or just say something that would make you laugh your behind off.
Vern loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an epitome of a husband, father, and grandfather. He was strong-willed, big hearted, kind, and most of all full of love. There will never be anyone close to being Vernon Willard in this world. He was a one of a kind. Even though none of us were ready to let him go and the pain it has endured, we can cherish the memories he left with each one of us and just know one day we will be with him again and be greeted with that big old smile and that laugh.
Graveside services will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Randy Wilson will officiate. A luncheon will follow at VFW Post #6408, in Havana.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home, in Havana, is in charge of arrangements.