Vernon Edgell

Vernon Edgell, 98, passed away peacefully on Feb.10th at Indian Path Hospital after a brief illness. He was born Aug 18, 1917 in Pleasant Mills, Indiana, the 14th child of Clara and Milton Edgell. In 1935, after high school graduation, he farmed and worked in the local feed mill until being drafted in 1941. Vernon bravely served in the army during WWII in the Pacific theater.
During training at Camp Shelby, MS, Vernon met the love of his life, Mary Lou Pierce. While attending a girls college there, she went to a Valentine's Day Dance on the post. After four years of correspondence, on Valentine's Day 1946, they were married and lived happily for the next 65 years.
After the war, Vernon and Mary Lou moved to Colonial Heights where they owned and operated the Colonial Heights Market and Esso gas station from 1947 to 1959. Vernon then worked building several homes in Colonial Heights, including his own. He later worked for Holston Defense, from which he retired. Vernon was a member of the Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church.
Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Pierce Edgell, he is survived by two children: Son, David Edgell and wife Patsy of Kingsport; daughter Gloria Edgell Stanford and husband Lt Col Edward Stanford (USAF, retired) of Kingsport. Vernon leaves behind five grandchildren: John Edgell, Kingsport; Susan Stanford, Kingsport; Sarah Edgell Hardinger, Montgomery, AL; Julia Stanford Wallace, Princeton, NJ; Nancy (Katie) Stanford Odom, Knoxville, TN. He had five great-grandchildren: Harrison, Annika, and Alexandra Wallace; Charlotte Odom; and Jack Hardinger.
Vernon enjoyed many different hobbies. His love of wood working inspired building of furniture, craft picture frames, and even an entire miniature wild west town. Vernon's fascinating personality inspired ghost story telling, campfires, cookouts and hay rides. He especially enjoyed helping at his son David's small engine repair shop and on the farm.
After retirement, Vernon's passion for storytelling and writing continued. He wrote numerous short stories retelling his youth and farm life in the Midwest. Vernon was a frequent contributor to the poetry section of the local newspaper under the pen name of Ed Vernon. He also published an autobiography, which centered around a detailed account of his war years, and six other books of stories and poems.
The family will receive friends Sunday, February 14, 2016 from 1-2:00p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

Graveside services will follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church with Dr. C. Phillip Kestner officiating. Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by American Legion Posts 3/265.

Many thanks to Brookdale Kingsport for your loving care of our very special Vernon. In Lieu of flowers and in honor of his memory, memorial contributions can be made to Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church.

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