Vernon Garretson dies, remembered by many

During his childhood, Vernon lived in several states and during that time he attended numerous schools. At one point, he had attended several grammar schools in one year. He graduated from Big Spring High School in Big Spring, Texas in 1963. He then attended Abilene Christian College in Abilene, and later attended Columbia Christian College where he met the love of his life, Shirley. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in January of this year.

Vernon began his preaching career in Graton, California in 1966 and taught history and Bible at Pacific Christian Academy. His son, Vincent, was born during that time. In 1973 he moved to Lemoore where he preached and served as an elder.

He was so dedicated to the Lord's work that he preached from a wheel chair on Sunday, the 14th, completing 44 years of service with that congregation.

That congregation has always been his extended family. He graduated with his BA in Bible from Pepperdine University and later from Fresno State University with a masters’ degree in history.

Vernon's love of God, loyalty, honor and spirit will never be replaced in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues and even strangers.

He was a man of many passions. No matter where he would go in his travels as a family, he knew all the history of that area and would tell many a story. He instilled a love of old TV shows like "Andy Griffith,” "I Love Lucy," 'Hogan's Heroes," "Gilligan's Island," "Mash," and "Bonanza" into his two grandchildren.

He was a little league coach, played on the church softball league, and preached chapel at Western Christian School. For many years, he was a counselor and director of Yosemite Bible Camp. He also helped organize the Memorial Day Barbecue at Yosemite Bible Camp. He did church services at Valley Christian Home. The list is unending.

He served on the board of Yosemite Bible Camp and Valley Christian Home. He taught for West Hills College and Chapman University for several years. He retired from Brandman University as an administrator.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elbert and Avery Garretson. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, his son Vincent and his wife Elizabeth. He was blessed with two precious grandchildren, Libbie and Brock. He is also survived by a sister, Emily Flournoy (Dan) of Watauga, TX, and brothers, Phillip (Lynn) of Lodi, CA, and Gayle (Adenna) of Porterville, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews, some of which he is passionately known as "Uncle Buck."

A Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel in Lemoore. The funeral will be on Friday at the Lemoore Church of Christ, located at 140 Skaggs St. Friends who wish can make donations in his memory to the following: Yosemite Bible Camp, 50869 Rd 632, Oakhurst, CA 93644, Agape Village, 1095 Hilltop Drive, Ste. 369, Redding, CA 96003 or Valley Christian Home, 511 E. Malone St., Hanford, CA 93230.