BUTLER – Loren A. Vernon, beloved husband, father and grandfather, peacefully passed away at his residence and went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 10, 2021.
He was born on Jan. 19, 1959, in Mount Vernon to the late Jack and Martha (Lepley) Vernon. Loren graduated from Mount Vernon High School and the Joint Vocational School (KCCC) in June of 1978, having studied the machinist trade.
Loren was an avid reader, especially of God’s Word. He wore out more than one Bible since accepting Christ as his Savior in July 1983. He was a diligent prayer warrior and never passed up the opportunity to share the Word with a stranger. His mission as a fisher of men was to bring as many unbelievers as possible to Christ.
In March 1989, he married Helen Williams, with whom he shared 32 years and raised their two children.
Loren worked at Mansfield Plumbing Products for over 15 years before becoming disabled in 2012. Described as a determined provider, he worked very hard to support his family so that Helen could stay home to educate and care for their children. He was very proud of his ability to do this. Even as times got hard and money was tight, he insured food would be on the table for his family. Thanks to the Lord, the family never had a need or want for anything.
Loren shared his love for the outdoors with his family as they fished and hiked in and around the Knox County and Mohican areas. He mostly enjoyed fishing for pleasure, often releasing his catch, but he also won awards for some of his largest catches. Loren also enjoyed hunting and trapping with his son. Generally seeking small game, he helped more than one farming friend dispose of pests. The family also enjoyed collecting stones and rocks together during their many nature walks. Loren always made the time to go to his children’s sports activities. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and could always put a smile on their faces.
Loren and Helen attended River of Life Community Church in Butler for over 30 years. He always wholeheartedly supported any activities going on at their church.
Loren will be remembered as a hardworking man of God who put his family before all else. He instilled in them the hope and promise that this day is not “goodbye” but “see you later” as they are reunited in eternity.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Helen Williams Vernon; daughter, Stephanie (Sheldon) McCoy of Butler; son, Seth Vernon of Blacklick; his grandchildren, Conner, Chloe and Cooper McCoy; and his sister-in-law, Andrea (Keith) Derenberger of Mount Vernon.
In addition to his parents, Loren was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Louis (Lorrie) Vernon; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Georgia Williams.
Friends may call from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, where a celebration of life service honoring Loren will follow at 6 pm. Their dear family friend and brother in Christ, Joseph Barber, will speak. For the safety of family and guests, facial covering is required and social-distance guidelines will be observed. Loren will be laid to rest in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Visit snyderfuneralhomes.com to view Loren’s tribute video.
