FRANKLIN, IN
Thomas Eugene Vernon, 87 of Franklin, IN passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis, IN. He was born on December 28, 1935, to Elmer “Pete” and May (Bewley) Vernon in Greensburg, IN.
Tom served in the US Navy from 1953-1963 He served aboard the USS Frank Knox, the USS Shields, and NAS Memphis, TN as a boiler technician. His time in the Navy started his love for travel. After the Navy he continued to work as a boiler technician and traveled the world for his job. When he could no longer physically do that job, he received a Bachelor’s Degree from ITT Tech where he subsequently taught there until he retired. He and Ann continued to travel until Ann’s passing.
He was always a ‘lodge’ man. His tenure included the Masons, Shriners, Moose, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus. He was an avid motorcycle rider and was involved in the Gold Wing Road Rider’s Association.
He was known for his story telling. He would share stories with anyone and everyone. His world travels, partying with Elvis at Graceland, riding his motorcycle from California to Alaska, and countless other adventures of his life. He enjoyed being around people and his church. He was a member of the St Rose of Lima Catholic Church where he was also a Fourth Degree Knight and part of the lawn crew.
The family would like to extend their greatest gratitude to the staff at Franciscan Hospice House. All of you have made the last leg of Tom’s journey precious. The love and care you gave to him made his last days enjoyable. He loved that he had you “trained” to show up with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning and he didn’t even have to ask for it.
A special thanks to Astral at Franklin for taking care of dad even when he didn’t think he needed it. He loved living there.
To the patrons at the old Tom’s Cafe in Franklin that bought the ‘Tin Can Sailor’ a meal….we thank you. That always brought pleasure to dad and he would always tell us about it with a big smile on his face. If you see a lone vet….please buy them a meal or offer to sit for company…they will appreciate it. To the servers who worked there….thanks for keeping his coffee cup full and taking care of him by bringing him his ‘usual.’
He is survived by his brother Joseph Vernon (Melinda) of Beech Grove, IN. His children James Vernon (Rita) of Jacksonville, FL, Nancy Vernon of Shelbyville, IN, Ray Vernon (Denise) of Parkersburg, WV, Carol Godbey (Ken) of Arizona, Allen Wesseler of Franklin, IN, Jean Ryan of Cambria, WI, Lynn Seufert (Dave) of Louisville, KY. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Elizabeth Vernon and Carolyn Vernon, brother David Vernon and wife Ann M. Wesseler on December 28, 2020.
Father Tim DeCrane will conduct a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, July 28, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church 114 Lancelot Drive Franklin, IN. Friends may call Friday, July 28, 2023, from 9:30AM until service time at the church. Military honors will follow the service and conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Franklin American Legion Honor Guard. Ennichement will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of birdseed to the Franciscan Hospice House at 8418 Franciscan Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46237. The daily visitors of birds and wildlife outside dad’s window brought him great enjoyment.
Or a donation to the Ann M. Wesseler Independent Spirit Memorial Scholarship at Oldenburg Academy 1 Twister Circle Oldenburg, IN 47036 or at www.oldenburgacademy.org.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
