Clark Leroy Vernon

Clark Leroy Vernon, age 93, died peacefully on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Eldon Nursing and Rehab in Eldon. Clark was born on February 19, 1928, on the family farm in Eldon, Mo., to Edgar Wilburn Vernon and Grace Mae (Clark) Vernon. He graduated from Eldon High School in 1945. He married Sylvia Imogene Philips in 1950. Clark worked as a freelance photojournalist, the Eldon Advertiser, and then opened Vernon Photography. In 1964 Clark and Sylvia bought the Daylight Donut Shop and operated it 20 years before selling and moving to Lexington, Mo. to open another Daylight Donut Shop. Missing their hometown, they sold the shop in Lexington and moved back to Eldon to repurchase Daylight Donuts of Eldon. The couple welcomed an only child, Kevin who remembers Clark as a kind, and patient father, who encouraged him to pursue his goals. Clark was an accomplished photojournalist and often sold his work nationally. He was a generous individual who loved golf and who was passionate about photography. He was an active and dedicated member of the Aurora Springs Baptist Church and attended until he was no longer physically able. He enjoyed retirement, doing home remodeling, gardening, and especially playing with the family Aussie, Ozzy Pawsbourne. Clark is survived by his son, Kevin Clark Vernon of Eldon, Mo.; four grandchildren, Kimberly Hill and her husband Nathan, Kyle Vernon, Kathleen Ochs and her husband Kevin, Kenneth Vernon and his wife Kat; step-granddaughter, Desiree Tomlin, and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Sylvia Imogene (Phillips) Vernon, and his brothers, Robert and Harry Vernon. Visitation will be Sunday, October 10, 2021 from 1:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. at Aurora Springs Baptist Church of Eldon, Mo. with the Funeral Service beginning at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Tim Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Eldon City Cemetery. Memorials in his name are suggested to Aurora Springs Baptist Church of Eldon, Mo. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, Mo.