In Loving Memory

Vernon Lee Ervin

8/17/1930 — 6/18/2016

Bunker Family Funerals

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Our patriarch Vernon passed away on Saturday morning, surrounded by his family who deeply loved him.

Vern will be remembered as the king of steady, patience and perseverance. As love stories go, this is a pretty great one. With his wife of just nearly 66 years, Vern and Helen were a romance of real “Notebook” fame. Their journey together started in the hills of Tennessee from where Vern enlisted in the Navy. He just didn’t feel cut out for farming. After 3 years of mostly floating out at sea, Vern transferred to the Air Force where he went on to complete a 20-year career. Vern followed that with another successful career with ASU.

Vernon was an accomplished plumber, golfer (9 holes-in-one), husband, father and friend. He modeled integrity in everything he did. Those who knew him could always count on that. Vernon and Helen have nearly outlived most of their friends and family, but their way of living will always be passed on to those they affected.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Helen, son Mark, daughter Pam and sisters Alene and Betty, as well as 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Vern and Helen also survived the passing of their son Mike at 6 years old.

A military graveside service will be held at the City of Mesa Cemetery on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 10 AM. Vernon’s desires were for any money spent on flowers to be donated to your favorite charity. Vernon gave a lot to others in many ways; his wishes would be for you to carry that on.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel.

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Service

Thursday, June 23, 2016 · 10:00 AM

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Lisa Welton

So very sorry for your loss. Our love to you all.

Steve Peals

Helen, Mark, Pam and the rest of the family, know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Vernon was a good man and will be missed by all who knew him. I always enjoyed his Tennessee visits and the stories he would tell! Love you all very much!

Doris Shadden

I understand… Having been friends since school days this is another void in my heart,we visited when we came to Az.and they with us in Tn. My love and condolences to you Helen and the children.

Kathy Kosie

Helen, Mark and Pam I will always remember Uncle Vernon fondly, he was interesting to talk with and he loved his golf! So sorry for your loss, we will be thinking of you.

Dee Ann Ferguson

Helen, Mark and Pam: I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of your dad. It seems like he was always taking Pam and I to the movie in his little gold truck. He was always so kind to me and he had such a wonderful, hearty laugh. I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend the funeral as I am in Calif with one of my daughters as she just had surgery. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Steve Rabin

Always in great spirits, always with a smile on his face. I always loved hearing the kindness and warmth of his voice. Vern was a wonderful man and he will be missed. My condolences to your family and friends. May his memory be a blessing to you all.

Al Haines

Great friend and golfing buddy. He will be missed.

Dennis Shipley

So sorry to hear about Vern. What a great man. So glad to have had so many great times together on the golf course. RIP buddy

Howard & Helen Schmid

Helen and family: We were so sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. One of the best things about moving to Catalina Ave. was getting to know you and Vern. What great neighbors! We always enjoyed visiting with you two. Vern was always asking if there was anything he could do to help us–and he meant it! We will really miss our friendly neighbor with the big smile. We are so sorry that he is gone. Howard and Helen

Lee & Carole Wallace

Helen, We got to know you late in life but felt a friendship because of your sister living in Burns and Lee being from Tennessee. Lee & Vernon both enjoy golf and enjoyed their brief visits before golf games. We enjoyed seeing you at church and other function here at Sun land. God is now in command and all Vernon’s needs will be met. Take care of yourself and may God bless and keep you. Just heard of this today. We were gone.

Lee & Carole Wallace

66 years of marriage is almost unheard of now a days. May all his faults be written upon the sands of time and may God prepare a place for him in heaven, for where God is may he also be there. Your Friends, Lee & Carole

Jim Murphy

A true gentleman on the golf course and as a friend. His personality and views will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to the family.

Hardy Annette Grigull

Helen & family, We are saddened to hear of Vern’s passing, we will miss seeing him this fall on our return to Sunland Village. You are in our thoughts & prayers.

❦

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Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation