Vernon Leroy Hartgraves, 82 years, 11 months, and 17 days old, passed to heaven on Jan. 10, 2011 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Mo.
Vernon was born Jan. 24, 1928 in Haddam, Kan., to Aubrey and Leona (Williams) Hartgraves.
Vernon lived most of his life in the Ava and Thornfield community. He was a retired highway construction worker. Vernon was also a lifelong minister and loved preaching in the surrounding counties. He was a veteran and had served with the U.S. Army.
On Dec. 18, 1997, Vernon and Dedra Lynn Hamby were united in marriage in Ozark, Mo.
Vernon enjoyed preaching, studying the Bible, gardening and the outdoors.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son, Timothy Dean, two brothers, Gene and Wayne and one sister, Joan Holt.
He is survived by his wife, Dedra Hartgraves, Ava, Mo.; three children and their spouses, Darrell and Terry Hartgraves, Ozark, Mo., Jimmy and Chris Hartgraves and Connie and Mike Burris, all of Ava, Mo.; two stepchildren, Ardell Davis, San Diego, Calif., and Tela Davis, Ava, Mo.; six grandchildren, Zach, Zane, Mike, Jason, Wesley and Tina; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Carolyn Killough, Wichita, Kan.; several nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.
Cremation services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Mo. Private services will be conducted by the family at a later date and time. Memorials may be made to the Thornfield Cemetery or charity of choice. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.
