Vernon Clatterbuck

Vernon Clatterbuck, 92, of Fulton, passed from this life on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at Callaway Community Hospital. He was born September 28, 1919, in Guthrie, Mo., the son of the late Herbert and Lula (Lawson) Clatterbuck. He married Jewell Sparks Bradbury on January 11, 1941. She preceded him in death on May 12, 1970. On June 10, 1972, he was united in marriage to Emily Jones Stone. She survives at their home. Vernon grew up in the Dixie neighborhood and graduated from New Bloomfield High School in 1937. He proudly served his country in World War II by enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He was being deployed to Okinawa when Japan surrendered. He was discharged after 37 months as a Sergeant. He re-enlisted in the Air Corps Reserves for another three years. Under the GI Bill, he took a one-year of extension course in agriculture through the University of Missouri and one-year course in the automobile mechanic field. Vernon lived and worked on the family farm for many years, raising purebred Hereford cattle with his father. He was employed by the City of Fulton as a Warehouse Manager for two years as well as other jobs. He was later employed by the Missouri Highway Department for 28 years as a cartographer. After retiring in 1982, Vernon became a volunteer with the Fulton Senior Center, carrying meals to homebound residents for 12 years. For many years he managed the New Serve Band and the Callaway Combo and enjoyed entertaining residents of many nursing homes. He was a member of the Ozark Pioneers and played over KWOS Radio for one year in 1937. He also played many times on the KFRU Amateur Hour. He had a small part in a Christian movie, Suddenly the Light, filmed in Dallas, Texas. He was a life-long member of Dry Fork Baptist Church and was president of the Men's Brotherhood and also president of the Callaway Baptist Association Brotherhood. He worked with the state president and the state director on Brotherhood Seminars in Central Missouri. He and his wife sponsored the New Gideon Camp. He was a member of the Jefferson City Camp for over 40 years. Vernon was a member of the Cole/Callaway County Red Cross Board for some time. He served 16 years as a Silver Haired Legislator, representing Callaway County. Vernon was a 50-year member of the Traveler's Protection Association and was a former president. He was elected president of the Kingdom of Callaway Supper in 1982. He was a charter member of the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. as well as a charter member of the World War II Museum in New Orleans, La. Along with his wife, Vernon is survived by his daughter, Elaine Jurgensmeyer and her husband William; step-daughter, Betty Bradbury Yancey; six grandchildren, Kevin Wilson and wife Lisa, Jason Jurgensmeyer and wife Tabitha, and Pettina Duenckel and husband Corey, Kent Yancey and wife Christy, Dale Yancey and wife Nicki, Darrell Yancey and his wife Theresa; 18 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and many special friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, at Dry Fork Baptist Church with Reverend Doctor Lewis Curtis officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Dry Fork Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. on Monday, September 24 at Debo Funeral Home in Fulton. In lieu of customary memorials, the family suggests donations be made in Vernon's name to the Salvation Army or Dry Fork Church Cemetery, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court Street, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences can be sent by visiting www.debofuneralhome.com.