Jackie “Jack” Allen Vernon was born to Herbert and Beulah Vernon on November 4, 1946, in Hamburg, Iowa. Beulah later married Marion Carter, who raised Jack as his own. Jack attended Rock Port and Fairfax schools, graduating from Fairfax in 1964. He enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served two tours in Vietnam from 1964 to 1967 aboard the USS Henderson.

After returning home from the Navy, Jack attended Northwest Missouri State University, began farming and married Diana Sue Cook. They became the parents of Jennifer Lyn and John Michael and later divorced. In 1989, Jack married Virginia “Ginny” Million and they made their home in Fairfax, Missouri.

Throughout  his  life,  Jack  farmed  and  was  the  owner/operator  of M and J Trucking/Vernon Trucking. He was very involved in his community and felt strongly about giving back and supporting local causes and efforts for community betterment. Jack was involved in many community groups, most notably the American Legion-John Richards Post 284, Forty and Eight, Masonic Lodge-Fairfax Lodge #483, Scottish Rite Valley of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Moila Shrine Temple. Jack held various leadership positions in the local Masonic Lodge and served as District Deputy Grand Master. Jack was Coronated Scottish Rite Knight Commander Court of Honour, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council 33rd Degree and Personal Representative to the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Orient of Missouri. Jack was a graduate of the Leadership Northwest Missouri Inaugural Class in 2001.

After retirement, Jack’s favorite pastimes were golfing and fishing. He greatly enjoyed daily visits to the Daybreak Café where he could chat with everyone in town and also had a great time traveling around to watch the grandkids’ activities. Jack passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the age of 78.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Beulah and Marion Carter and Herbert Vernon; sisters, Dolores Thompson and Toby Prime; and brother, Jimmy Lee Thompson. Jack is survived by his wife, Ginny of the home; sister, Billie “Hopper” Smith, Rock Port, Missouri; children, Jennifer (Scott) Schoonover, Trimble, Missouri, and John (Chastidy) Vernon, Montrose, Minnesota; stepchildren, Neil (Donna) Million, Tarkio, Missouri, Nancy (Jeff) Hummel, Clarinda, Iowa, and Angie Vernon, Rock Port; lifelong friend, Jimmy (Leisa) Paris; grandchildren, Kinslei and Amaya Vernon, Ashley (Adam) Cook, Michael Hummel, Bryant (Ashley) Hummel, Andrea Meek, and Angela (Justin) Bell; great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Danielle and Emmeline Hummel, Brynleigh and Brecklyn Lopez, Addison Bell, and Bracton and Braeley Cook; and over-treated granddogs, Rasta, Fiji, and Zeus.

A funeral service was held Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Atchison County Memorial Building, Rock Port, conducted by Rev. Brad Dush. A Masonic service was conducted Sunday, May 4, at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Interment was at English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax. Military rites were under the auspices of John Richards American Legion Post #284, Fairfax. Memorials may be directed to Scottish Rite Temple, 515 N. 6th St., St. Joseph, MO 64501. Arrangements were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.