Vernon E. Distin

OTTAWA – Vernon E. Distin, 83, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Ottawa with Reverend Peter Brick officiating.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park with full military rites conducted by the Ottawa Veterans Group.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at Gladfelter Funeral Home and from 9:00 a.m. until service time Tuesday morning at First Baptist Church.  Pallbearers will be Ben and Chris Distin, Jon Spicer, Steve Harden, Joe Granados and Bob Bugelholl.

Vernon was born June 7, 1929, in Nelson, Illinois, a son of Russell Herbert and Gladys (Moeller) Distin.  He married Lila M. Harden on August 26, 1951 in Ottawa.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lila, of Ottawa; his children, Deb (Mike) Simon of Orlando, FL, Connie (Ron) Franzen of Highland, IL, Terry Distin of Ottawa, KS; Mary (Al) Lemrise of Peru, and Julie Distin of Ottawa; his grandchildren, Sarah and Jon Spicer, Amy (Adam) Winfrey, Jaclyn Franzen, Ben and Chris Distin, and Jill, Allie, Stephanie and Christina Lemrise; one great granddaughter, Ava Grace Winfrey; and one sister, Lola Pierce of DeKalb.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Miland, in infancy, and Senlo; and two sisters, Lona Schaefer and Arlie Rogers.

Vernon was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ottawa.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a Korean War veteran.  Vernon retired from Libbey-Owens-Ford in 1987 after 33 years of employment.  In his leisure time Vernon could be found fishing, fishing, and fishing.  He also was an avid hunter.  He was a loyal Cub fan and enjoyed working crossword puzzles.  Vernon was a big hearted man and was always there to help others in need.  He had a keen sense of humor, loved to play Euchre with his friends for hours, and brought a smile to many a face.  He was devoted to his family and cherished each and every moment spent with them.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Baptist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.