Vernon Leslie

Alverson

Vernon Leslie Alverson died peacefully on July 25, 2021 after more than 91 years of a life well lived.  Vern, known affectionately by his wife Edna of 65 years as Sonny, lived in the moment. He always had a twinkle in his eye, which was a mix of mischief, spontaneity, and charm. Vern's child-at-heart spirit endeared him to family and friends alike – especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Vern was born in Grafton, Illinois in 1930 to his mother Mina and father Vernon. He went on his first date with Edna in 1949 and, as Edna explained it, he was "snapping his gum the entire time." They became "Eddie and Sonny" in 1950 and proceeded to have three children. They lived in cities throughout Colorado and then the St. Louis area. They also vacationed in places like London, Hawaii, Alaska, Panama plus anywhere in the USA that an RV could take a couple and their dog – including an eventful drive over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Vern was often at his best in the living room of the home he and Eddie built. There Vern would make a fire, sit in "Grandpa's Chair" (the most important piece of furniture in the house), or tinker with a model train while drinking a Coke. Sometimes he'd have grandkids or great grandkids over, affectionately referring to them as "monkey" as they climbed over him for attention.  Of course, he always had one of his beloved dogs by his side. To be Vern's dog was to hit the K9 jackpot – it meant vanilla ice cream with Vern every night, priority seating in Vern's car, and plenty of undivided attention.

Vern was fun-loving and genuine. He would always have a joke ready that would make you laugh even if he told you that one before. For most of his life, you could find Vern dressed in a comfortable plaid shirt and work jeans with slicked-back hair and the scent of Old Spice.

Vern was a carpenter and made a living using his hands to build and fix everything from homes in Colorado to sprinkler systems in St. Louis. When he wasn't on the job, he'd always found something fun and unexpected to do. He would volunteer his time and make it fun: dressing up like Santa, the Grinch or Easter Bunny to bring comedy relief to the local assisted living home. He liked to do paint-by-numbers and make his own ice cream. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting.

Vern also never held back on the Christmas lights. And during the holidays, people would have as much fun giving him gifts as receiving them. Anything animated, noisy and unexpected was celebrated along with a super-sized cookie he and his brother gifted each other back-and-forth for more than 15 years. ­­

Vern was preceded in death by his wife Edna, his daughter Debbie, and by his sister Alice (Aggie). He is survived by his brother Steve; 2 children, Dale and wife Mary Jo, and Mike and wife Elise; 9 grandchildren, Chrissie and husband Jon, Andy and wife Brittany, Stacy and Stacie, Katie and husband Brian, Danny and wife Terra, Brandon and wife Mallory, Matt and wife Riley, and Joe and wife Frances; and 19 great grandchildren Alex, Jakob, Nick, Sam, Alexiz, Alyssa, Ben, Olivia, Peyton, Nathan, Landon, Aria, Luca, Elleigh, Lucy, Avery, Connor, Asher and Liam. He is also survived by companion of the last few years, Edith.

In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask you celebrate Vern by doing something fun: skip out for ice cream and share it with your dog, ride a train, or make something with your hands. Just don't sit in grandpa's chair.