Richard Donald Vernon "Dick", 83, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease & Lewy Body dementia. He was born September 10, 1935 to William Sydney and Muriel Edith Vernon in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Central High school in Omaha, NE and the University of Omaha (now University of Nebraska at Omaha) where he was a cheerleader and member of Theta Chi fraternity.
Dick made his home in Omaha, NE, Peoria, IL, Shaker Heights, OH, Overland Park, KS, & Leawood, KS.
A psychology major, his career was in sales with numerous organizations. His final position was at Classic Kitchens, the kitchen & bath design company founded with his wife, Pam, in Leawood, KS.
He was an avid life-long tennis player, fisherman, traveler, & scuba diver, gaining PADI certification at age 50. He had a beautiful bass voice and loved singing around the house, especially belting out his favorite “Old Man River” in the shower. Dick was known for his great sense of humor, charm, & laugh.Bringing a smile to someone he knew or didn’t know was his favorite pastime. He never knew a stranger.
Dick’s capacity for love was deep and he cherished his entire family and many friends. He was an animal lover, having several pets, both dogs & cats, over his life and enjoyed his many grand-dogs and canine neighbors, as well.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela Mathews Vernon of Leawood, KS, his son, David (Sarah), his daughters Stacy Fallucca (John) & Amy VanNortwick, grandchildren Lauren Sachse (Jason), Matthew Fallucca (Ashley), Ali Fallucca, Max Vernon (Katie), Nicholas VanNortwick, Madison VanNortwick, great-grands Lucca Sachse, Evelyn Sachse, Graham & Griffin Fallucca. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sally Skultety.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS 66013. Memorial donations may be made to the Arboretum.
Pam and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Dick was a true fighter and it is now time for Dick to rest in God's heavenly arms. God Bless you all. Fondly, Martha Estrada-Robinson
Friend ,PRAIRIE VLG ,Kansas
Pam, I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear of Dick's passing. He sounds like he was an amazing individual. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones. Marti Levy
Family friend ,Omaha ,Nebraska
David,Stacy,Amy, Our sympathies on the loss of your dad We are thinking of you The Christensen's (Ron, Ann, Scott)
