Mark Alan Vernon, 49, passed away Thursday March 31, 2016.
Mark was born on April 10, 1966, in Concordia, Kansas to Kenny and Diane Vernon. He was the middle of three children, having two sisters.
Mark grew up in the small community of Glasco Ks. As a young child hearing the emergency sirens he would rush to ready himself. Donning his fireman's hat and furry red and black fireman’s coat, he’d ride his tricycle down to the nearest corner. The fire chief would then pick him up to accompany them on local calls and was affectionately considered a member of the team; with a CB handle of “Little Beaver”.
His mother longily remembers as he became a young adult his father teaching him to drive or so she thought. As it turns out his father thought Mom was doing the same, all the while Mark was teaching himself doing laps around the fertilizer tank!
Mark had an affinity for farm equipment his whole life and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to get in and drive every chance he had.He enjoyed working side-by-side with his father and his fertilizer business and interacting with local stockman was a favorite activity. As a teen, he worked at a local restaurant La Tapatia.
Although he experienced ongoing health concerns throughout his life it never slowed him down. Mark loved to travel and lived in several states including Alaska for numbered years.
Mark will be fondly remembered for his forgiving spirit and willingness to help anyone he could. Mark touched the lives of many by being a resource in times of community need and always stood in defense for the downtrodden and unfortunate.
Proceeding him in death were his grandparents, Glenn and Pearl Vernon, and Kenny and Irma Schwartz.
Mark is survived by his son Justin Harder of Newton, parents Kenny and Diane Vernon of Newton, sisters Connie Wick of New Holstein, Wisconsin, and Christy Million of Newton, and three granddaughters, Riley, Elizabeth, and Zoey, and his two beloved boxers, Dexter and Heidi.
As cremation has been effected. Inurment will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society. They can be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.