Vernon K. Lightner

Vernon K. Lightner, 95, of Smicksburg, Pa (West Mahoning Twp.) passed away on January 4, 2026 at his daughter's residence.
He was born on December 21, 1930 to Myron and Kitty (Fox) Lightner in Boggs Twp., PA.
In his early years, Vernon attended Oliver School in Boggs Twp. He then honorably served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War. On March 19, 1955, Vernon married the love of his life, Betty Jean Barrett with whom he shared almost 70 years of marriage and raised six children.
Vernon was employed by Barrett Equipment and was also a self-employed Farmer. He was an active member of Dayton Glade Run Presbyterian Church, Dayton Young Farmers and the Dayton Senior Center. He was the West Mahoning Twp. representative of the former Dayton Schools before it became the Armstrong School District. His true passion was farming and restoring his 1968 John Deere Tractor. Vernon's love of farming led him to be the Dayton Fair Manager for 8 years (1971-1978). Vernon was a caring husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and hunting. Vernon will be best remembered for the time he spent on his front porch swing in the summer.
Vernon is survived by his sons, Kenneth Lightner and Daniel (Mandy Myers) Lightner, both of Smicksburg; daughters, Sandra Mills and Barbara Lightner, both of Smicksburg; grandsons, Eric (Kayla) Rummell, Brandon (Shannon) Lightner and Justin Mills; granddaughters, Laura (Joey) Skamai, Megan (Stewart) McEntire and Kayla Lightner; great-grandchildren, Lucas, Ellie, Levi, and Eden Skamai and Owen Lightner; sister, Marlene Preteroti of Smicksburg; son-in-law, Joseph Dalessio of Rochester Mills; daughter-in-law, Melissa Lightner of Dayton; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty (Barrett) Lightner, whom he wed March 19, 1955; son, Roger Dale Lightner; daughter, Janice Marlene Lightner (Dalessio) Wagner; granddaughter, Michelle Lee Dalessio, sister, Murial Anderson, Carol (Harold) Campbell, ; twin brothers, Myron Veryl "Bud" Lightner and Byron Earl "Son" Lightner; sons-in-law, Harry Mills and Jeff Wagner; and a sisters-in-law, Louise and Virginia Lightner; brothers-in-law, James Preteroti and Calvin Anderson.
Family will receive friends from 4-7 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Dayton Glade Run Presbyterian Church, 2540 Dayton Smicksburg Road, Dayton, Pa.
Additional visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of services at 11 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Dayton Glade Run Presbyterian Church with Pastor Sheila Wadding, officiating.
Burial will take place in the Dayton Glade Run Presbyterian Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to Dayton Glade Run Presbyterian Church, 2540 Dayton Smicksburg Road, Dayton, PA 16222.
The family sends a special thank you to Monarch Hospice for her care, especially to Tara.