Vernon Mitchem

Vernon Thomas Mitchem of McCook, died on Friday, February 29, 2008, at Heritage Nursing Home of Wauneta. He was 92 years old.

Vernon was born on February 22, 1916, at Simla, Colorado, to Jess Albert and Viretta (Bales) Mitchem. He attended McCook Public Schools.

Vernon entered the US Army in August of 1945. He was honorably discharged after serving five months and five days when World War II came to a close.

On February 11, 1940, he married Catherine Worske at Oberlin, Kansas. To this union four children were born. Vernon was a truck driver for over 29 years for Burlington Truck Line and later for Consolidated Trucking, retiring in August of 1974.

Vernon enjoyed music and playing the guitar and harmonica.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Jess and Viretta Mitchem; his wife, Catherine on September 25, 2004; grandson, Jeffrey Brown; four brothers, Harry Desmond, Glenn, Dale and Robert Mitchem; and four sisters, Vivian in infancy, Sylvia Rogers, Eva Foster, and Elva Drake.

Survivors include his two sons, Gerald Mitchem and wife, Pat, and James Mitchem all of McCook; two daughters, Carolyn and husband, Bill McNabb, of Denver, CO and Gloria Brown of McCook; one brother, Gale Mitchem and wife, Lee, of Yuma, AZ; one sister, Marjorie and husband, Rod Brown, of McCook; 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and family.

Memorials were to be given in his name.

Funeral services were Friday, March 7, 2008, 2:00 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Pastor Eddie Wright officiating. Burial took place in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of the arrangements.

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