DOROTHY, Vern E. 1926 - 2024

DOROTHY, CONNER, SMITH, MESSER, BISLIP, COX, INGALLS, ALEXANDER, DODD

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 1/5/2025 at 12:59:36

"Southeast Iowa Union / Fairfield Ledger"
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Page 4, Column 3

VERN E. DOROTHY
Mt. Pleasant

Vern E. DOROTHY, 98, of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant (note: in Henry Co., IA).

Vern was born March 14, 1926 in Salem, IA. He was the son of Raymond and Nellie (CONNER) DOROTHY. He was raised by his father and step mother, Edna. He graduated from Stockport High School.

During WWII, Vern was called to the service of his country. He entered the United States Navy on August 14, 1944 in St. Louis, MO. He was trained as a Signalman in Farragut, ID. Vern was assigned to a destroyer, the USS Marshall. He was honorably discharged on June 15, 1946 as a Seaman First Class.

Upon his return home, he met a young lady. They had a first date and a courtship ensued. On June 5, 1949 at her parents' home in Birmingham, IA, Vern was united in marriage to Carolyn J. DOROTHY (note: neé SMITH). To this union, 2 children were born - R.V. and Joy. It was a love, marriage and partnership that lasted nearly 75 years until Carolyn's passing on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.

For 45 years, Vern worked as a Foreman for Dexter Industries in Fairfield. He was not only a Foreman, but served as a mentor and role model for many a young worker. All during the time at Dexter, Vern also farmed at their farm in the Stockport area. After retirement and selling the farm, Vern and Carolyn made their home in Mt. Pleasant.

In retirement, Vern became a Funeral Associate at the former Weir Funeral Home, and stayed with the funeral home when it became the Kimzey funeral Home. Vern not only worked funerals and visitations, but was the handyman at the funeral home, keeping it in repair. He served almost 30 years, well into his early 90's.

Vern was a very faithful member of Cavalry Baptist Church. He served several terms as a Deacon of the church. Unless they were out of town, Vern never missed a Sunday at church. During the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, he worked at the steam powered carousel on the MOT grounds. Vern was a die-hart St. Louis Cardinals fan, seldom missing a game on the TV or radio.

Those thankful for sharing in Vern's life include his 2 children - Joy (Brian) MESSER of Fairfield and R.V. (Debra BISLIP) DOROTHY of Yuma, Colorado and Aruba; a sister - Barbara COX; twin brothers - Dale and Gale DOROTHY; 4 grandchildren - Jasons (Tasha), Jodi, Chad (Stacy) and Shelby; 9 great grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Janet SMITH of Birmingham and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents, wife, sisters - Mildred INGALLS, Esther ALEXANDER and Mary DODD, and a brother-in-law, Robert SMITH, precede Vern in death.

Visitation was Sunday, December 22 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant.

The funeral service for Vern was 11 AM on Monday, December at (sic) Cavalry Baptist Church, 803 E. Mapleleaf Drive. The Rev. Dr. David Strope and Pastor Danny Cary presided. Burial was in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Birmingham, with graveside military honors conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard and the Naval Military Funeral Honors Detail (note: in Van Buren Co., IA).

A memorial has been established for a decision to be made at a later date. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

~~~~
Copied with permission from The Fairfield Ledger, Inc. IAGenWeb Bylaws PROHIBIT the COPYING AND RE-POSTING OF THIS MATERIAL IN ANY PUBLIC VENUE such as Ancestry or Find A Grave without WRITTEN permission from the submitter ~ copyright restrictions apply.
*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Jefferson Obituaries maintained by Joey Stark.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen