Keith Wilson Vernon

Keith W. Vernon, age 83, of Ithaca, died Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.

Keith was born May 2, 1928, in Ithaca, the son of Wilson Harrison and Ruth Ann (Holmes) Vernon. He graduated form Ithaca High School and served in the U.S. Navy for five years.

For many years Keith owned and operated Vernon Television and Appliance where he serviced and sold electronics. He loved children and many will remember him as a foster grandparent at Ithaca Public Schools. He was also very active with many local organizations, including Ithaca Senior Activity Building, Gratiot Commission on Aging, the American Red Cross and the American Legion. He was an avid ham radio operator and very active in the Gratiot County Amateur Radio Association.

Keith is survived by his children, Mike (Donna) Vernon of Ithaca, Sue (Pat) Crawford of Ithaca, Pat (Carol) Vernon of Ithaca, Sally Bosley (Kevin Newberry) of Gaylord, Terry (Diane) Merchant of Ithaca, and Vicki (Rick) Nix of Leesburg, Alabama; 14 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and his close friend, Janice Nicewander. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents; and his brother, Dale Vernon.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor James Conn of Ithaca officiating. Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m Monday, at the Barden Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross or to the Ithaca Church of God.