Lawrence Norman Vernon

Lawrence Norman Vernon was born in a log cabin in the hills and valleys surrounding Caanan, Indiana, on February 28, 1920. He preceded his twin sister, Naomi, into the world by a few minutes. He continued to live in the area with his sister and parents, Lawrence and Elizabeth Vernon, during his early childhood. Later they moved to a farm near Martinsville, Indiana, where he graduated from high school. Lawrence attended Indiana University for a couple of years where he met his wife Lorraine Switzer in French class. However, World War II interrupted his studies and he was drafted into the army. He spent four years serving his country on the east coast of the United States and in Germany and Italy. During this time, he also married Lorraine in Alexandria, Virginia, on July 15, 1942. They remained together for a total of 69 years. Upon his return from Europe, Lawrence and Lorraine traveled west for a short period and returned to Indiana to start their family. Their first child was born in 1948 with a second in 1953 and a third in 1957. They chose central Indiana as their home base for many years, living in Hazelwood, Danville, Martinsville, and Plainfield. For a few years, they lived on Lake Lemon near Unionville, Indiana, and in Bradenton, Florida. By 1954, Lawrence started his own business as an excavating contractor. He continued as an independent businessman until 1983 and became an active participant in the state association for excavating contractors. He was also an active member of Masonic Rite, the Shiners, and Scottish Rite. When he retired, Lawrence and Lorraine loved traveling in their RV across the United States. They visited every state and ventured into Europe and Canada. He will be much missed by his children, Lorinda Day (husband, William Henry Day, II), Terri Horvath (husband, Dennis Horvath), and Larry Vernon (wife, Rebecca Rodman Vernon); grandchildren, Lori Zimmerman, Trace Day, Deanna Day, Evan Vernon, Emerson Vernon, and Embry Vernon; and eight great-grandchildren, Catherine Jean (Carroll) Schlick; Amanda Carroll, Jesse Day, Rachel Day, Parker Day, Zoey Day, Madison Turner, and Matthew Turner. Memorial services will be Friday, February 17, at 10:30 am in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, with calling from 10:00 am until service time. Burial will be in Montmorenci Cemetery.