- Date Of Birth: February 17, 1930
- Date Of Death: November 23, 2016
- State: Arkansas
Vernon L. Lacey, LTC (U.S. Army Retired), passed from this life on November 23, 2016, at his residence at the age of 86. He was born in rural Western Greene County near Delaplaine on February 17, 1930, to the union of Ernest and Mabel Bracken Lacey. He graduated from Delaplaine High School in 1946 and Arkansas State (at the time) College with a BS degree with majors in engineering and mathematics in 1950. Vernon initially enrolled in ROTC because, at that time, two years of Military Science was mandatory for Land Grant Colleges. At the time of graduation from college he was also commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of Field Artillery with an assignment to Fort Sill, OK. Prior to going on extended active duty in September 1950, he married Ellen Rose Craig, whom he loved and cherished. Vernon served 29 plus years in the U.S. Army prior to retirement to Paragould in 1979. During his service he spent two tours of duty in Germany, one each in Korea and Vietnam, with stateside tours at Fort Hood, TX, Fort Bliss, TX, Fort Chaffee, AR, Fort Riley, KS, Fort Knox, KY, Fort Sill, OK, and Fort Sam Houston, TX.
Vernon had the heart of a servant. He served as an elder at Center Hill Church of Christ for over 20 years and was a long time member of the Exchange Club. His hobby was working on watches and clocks.
Vernon’s parents, Ernest and Mabel (Bracken) Lacey, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ellen Lacey; one daughter, Pamela (Craig) McCoy, of San Antonio, TX; one son, Dennis (Mary Jo) Lacey, of Andover, KS; five grandchildren, Amanda, John, and Alexa Johnston, of San Antonio, TX, Shannon (Andy) Braun, of Wichita, KS, Sean (Hannah) Lacey, of Waltham, MA; and one great grandson, Aidan Braun, of Wichita, KS.
Crowley’s Ridge Academy
606 Academy Drive, Paragould AR 72450
Children’s Homes, Inc.
5515 Walcott Road, Paragould AB 72450
Crowley’s Ridge College
100 College Drive, Paragould AR 72450
