Vernon Kerry, 88
Vernon Young Kerry, 88, while surrounded by his loving family, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash.
Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2024, at the Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Chad Wilks officiating. A viewing will be held for friends and family at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint on Monday from noon to 3 p.m.
He was the son of Roy W. and Velda Young Kerry. Born on July 5, 1935, he graduated with the Lincoln High School Class of 1953 in Ellwood City, Pa., and attended Anderson College in Anderson, Ind. Though he lived in western Pennsylvania most of his life, he most recently resided in Sandpoint, Idaho, and Santa Familia, Belize, with his devoted wife, Michele (Simms) Kerry, who survives.
At the age of 8, "Vernie" joined the family coal business by taking care of the mine ponies. From these humble beginnings he went on to own and operate Kerry Coal Company and several other ventures. He was an avid outdoorsman, a hobby which took him around the world and deep into his own backyard. Whether it was hunting, fishing, or simply a walk, he treasured spending time outside with his family, which often included creatures great and small.
Vern loved to travel both domestically and internationally and wanted to share the little joys he found everywhere with everyone who was open to seeing them. He was passionate about education and the community and was a consistently generous man with both his time and resources. This will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of his family and the people who study, play and worship where he provided. He will be remembered by all who knew him as man with a ready smile, playful personality, and contagious laugh.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Jessie; and his siblings, Bob (Maudie) Kerry, Elsie (Frank) Moore, Gail (Gena) Kerry, Linda Kerry, Bonnie (Don) McKinley, and Wanda (Cliff) Garras; and many loved aunts and uncles.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Roy (Nora Lee) Kerry; his children, Gae (Bob) Helton, Kurt (Pam) Kerry, Jody (Dave) Keeley, Jenn (Ryan) Murphy and Julie Myer, as well as 13 grandchildren and 11 of the greatest great-grandchildren, many other family members and countless friends.
The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend. The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend. Please see sandpointnaz.org for more information.
Additionally, a celebration of life will be held Saturday July 27 at Whitehall Camp and Conference Center in Emlenton, Pa. Please see email vernonkerry2024@gmail.com for additional details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the scholarship fund at the Sandpoint Christian School or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA.donordrive.com).
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Vern’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.