Loyd "Hap" Royce Vernon Obituary (1929

Loyd "Hap" Royce Vernon passed away into the arms of his savior on August 21, 2019 when his heart valve gave out in Bremerton, Washington while being attended by his family and in the care of Harrison Hospital. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00pm on September 21, 2019 at First Christian Church, 811 Veneta Ave., Bremerton, Washington. Happy leaves behind his daughter Janis Vernon Castle (Art) of Poulsbo, Washington, his son Randall Paul Vernon of Poulsbo, Washington, his son Russell Neil Vernon (Susan Harwell) of Fallbrook, California and his granddaughter Kayla Jean Vernonclark of San Diego, California as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Loyd was born on June 20, 1929 in McCook, Nebraska to his parents, Charlie Wayne Vernon and Grace Emma (Keilwitz) Vernon. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 1/2 years, Eitha I.(Hadix) Vernon. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother Archie Wayne Vernon (Ivagean) and a sister, Joy Faye Rhoades (Robert). When Loyd was a year old, his mother died as the result of an injury she received in a tornado a few years earlier. It was the depression and he and his siblings went to live at the family farm outside of Oberlin, Kansas with their grandparents. John Herman Vernon and Etta Baden (Kanaar) Vernon. Loyd was named for his uncle Loyd, but his grandfather, Herman, said we can't have two Loyds and he's such a happy baby, we're going to call him "Happy." Hap always felt that is Grandmother Vernon had a was a very big influence on his beliefs and life choices. Hap suffered scarlet fever during his eighth grade year and was unable to attend school the entire year. In spite of this, he went on to play football as a defensive linebacker and wrestled at Decatur County High School where he won the State Wrestling Championship in his weight class during his senior year, completing the year undefeated. He was given a wrestling scholarship to Colorado A & M in Fort Collins, Colorado. The following year Hap joined the U.S. Air Force. He was raised and baptized in the United Church of Oberlin. He became active in the Christian Youth Fellowship which led to his meeting Eitha Hadix at a Regional Youth Meeting in his home church in Oberlin, Kansas. They were married on January 27, 1952 in Goodland, Kansas. Their first home together was in a 14 foot trailer moving from Kansas to Long Island, NY where he was stationed. After Hap left the Air Force, they moved back to the family farm where Janis and Randy were born. He first began to raise his own chicken flock, but decided instead to return to school at Kansas State University where Russell was born. After college, Hap worked for the USDA at Michigan State and then selling and delivering chicks all over the State of Kansas. His work then took the family to Illinois, Georgia and finally to Washington State where he managed Draper Valley Farms hatchery for 20 years. Hap loved volunteering with his children as a Boy Scout Master, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, band booster, and fundraiser! He was a lifelong fan of sports, especially football and baseball. He was the best of dog sitters and was a favorite with all of the people at whippet events! Everywhere they went Hap & Eitha joined a local Christian Church usually, Disciple churches. He was a faithful servant wherever God called them. Happy was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed! Everyone is invited to join us in celebrating his life and to honor his favorite team, you are invited to wear Seahawks gear! Anyone who knew him, knew that Hap had a great sense of humor! Memorials should be made to Bremerton First Christian Church.