Vernon LeRoy Major, youngest of six sons was born to Edison Marion Major and Lilly Mae (McMurthery) Major, October 1, 1935, at Circleville, Kansas. His parents moved to the Westboro area. He attended High Bank grade school until 4th grade. He would walk across the field each day to school. He graduated from Westboro High School with the class of 1954.
He served with the National Guard for twenty five years. He retired from the National Guard earning the rank of 1st Sergeant
On February 3, 1957, he was united in marriage to Dixie Lee Freeze at the United Congregational Church in Farragut, Iowa. They lived in the Coin, Shenandoah and Essex area.
During his working days, Vernon was employed by Mt. Arbor Nursery, City of Coin, Eaton's for 17 years, truck driver for Tiemeyer Inc., later having his own trucking business, and retiring due to illness.
Some of his interests included raising hogs, taking trips to Branson, MO, camping, deer hunting and snowmobiling in MN. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clem, James and Eddie. Those left to honor his memory include wife Dixie of 53 years, daughter Carol and husband Mike of Emerson, Iowa, son Michael and wife Mary Ann of Imogene, Iowa and son Steven and wife Debbie of Shenandoah, Iowa; grandchildren Matthew of Shenandoah, Iowa, Joshua, Independence, KY and Jordan Major of Imogene, Iowa, and Kolton, Keegan and Kameron Wederquist of Emerson, Iowa; brothers Clarence and wife Terry Major of Shenandoah; Don and wife Florence Major of Burlington Junction, MO and sister-in-law Geraldine Major of Creston, Iowa; brother-in-law David Freeze and wife Marjorie of Shenandoah; brother-n-law Eugene Freeze of Henderson, NV and sister-n-law Darlene Kowalke and husband Dennis of Milwaukee, WI , along with other family members and friends.
Vernon passed away peacefully at his home in rural Essex surrounded by his family following a brief illness from cancer. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends but his memory will live on forever.