Vernon D. Jordan
November 17, 2011
Vernon D. Jordan, 90, passed away November 17, 2011, under Hospice Care at Parkridge Nursing and Rehab, in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. He was born August 17, 1921, in Northwest Iowa to Harmon and Alma (Anderson) Jordan. Vernon was married to June (Ralph) Jordan for nearly fifty years.
As a young man, he farmed in Northwest Iowa. After graduating from electronic school, he owned Vern’s T.V. in Altoona, Iowa, where he was a member of a businessman’s group. He had a strong work ethic and always had a project to complete. Vernon was known for his inventiveness as a do-it-yourselfer.
He was an avid sports fan, and his greatest hobby was playing music on the organ, guitar and harmonica. Vernon enjoyed RVing and traveling out West, especially to Colorado and Yellowstone. Vernon and June were able to snowbird to Arizona in their early retirement years. They also traveled to the Ozarks with their family for many International Rose O’Neill conventions.
His fierce independence gave him perseverance and strength. He was known for his cheerful sense of humor and as family and friends recall memories of Vernon, stories about a zest for life and giving of his time and talent prevail. He was devoted to others and cherished the support of family, close knit friends, and caregivers.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; wife, June; brother, Reed Jordan; sisters, Dorothy Woods and Beulah Doudna. He is survived by his loving son, Vernon Jordan, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Marlys Jordan; her brother, Robert Parcell; as well as a host of close knit friends and relatives, including many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Monday, November 21, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. The committal service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Garfield Township Cemetery in Webb, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, November 20, 2011, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Robert Ralph
11/20/2011
I remember Uncle Vernon and Aunt June (they were actually my great uncle and aunt but we called them just uncle and aunt)from our many visits to Iowa while growing up. I remember playing my trumpet as Uncle Vernon played the organ at my grandparent's farm. Later he and Aunt June were kind enough to allow my wife and I to stay at their cabin in Colorado on our honeymoon. They were both warm and generous people and we will miss them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Vernon Jr. and Marlys during this time.
God Bless,
Rob, Cyndi and Brant Ralph
Naples, FL
Bonnie Hunter
11/19/2011
Hi Vern and Marlys
So sorry to read about Vern's father passing away. No matter how old we are it still hurts to lose a parent. My thoughts and prays are with you.
Take care of yourselves. Fondly, Bonnie
russ and linda kramer
11/19/2011
vern and marlys
love the tribute to your dad, how very true.
sending our thoughts and prayers your way.
russ and linda kramer
Bob Ralph
11/18/2011
I have many fond memories of uncle Vern and aunt June. Going on many family vacations with them and Vern Jr. in the 50's out west. As I got older (they did also) I enjoyed taking my children to Colorado to visit them many times at their place there. I also have many memories of Vern's playing the piano, guitar and other instruments. He had such talent, a love of music and enjoyed sharing it.
Vern Jr. and Marlys may God's peace be with you during this sad time.
Bob, Liala, Ryan and Carisa Ralph
Marjorie Faulkner
11/18/2011
Uncle Vernon will always have a warm place in my heart. Aunt June and Uncle used to bring me to their home on weekends and take me out to eat and I loved to hear him play on the piano for me. I was only about 10 years old at the time.
As an adult I had the great time at his place in Colorado and my family also enjoyed being there with him too. It was such fun to listen to him play the piano and show us around the area.
I am so thankful that he was in my life.
Your niece,
Marjorie
Parveen
11/18/2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Parveen
Nancy Greenman
11/18/2011
Thinking of you and your Family.
God Bless, Nancy Greenman
Joan & Jerry Nolin
11/17/2011
We send our love for a man that we loved so much and he loved us and so many others. Vern was a very special friend to us. We will never forget him and his wife, June, and his son, Vern, Jr. Joan & Jerry Nolin
Norman & Jeanette Ralph
11/17/2011
I have many memories of my "Uncle Vernon" I used to visit him and my Aunt June as a young teenager when they lived at Sac City in the early 50's. I remember playing basketball with him when I was in High School and how he could beat me. His musical talent was amazing and I regret that I learned to play the gulitar too late to play with him.
He will be missed. God Bless you both.
Norm & Jeanette Ralph