Vernon J. Gunion

June 8, 1922 - August 1, 2016

Vernon J. Gunion, age 94, Grand Junction, IA, passed away on August 1st, 2016 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA. Vernon was born June 8th, 1922, on his family farm in Jefferson, Iowa. He grew up loving to read and play baseball, but quickly learned the value of hard work during the Great Depression. Vernon attended college at the University of Missouri, but duty called, and he chose to enlist in the Army Air Corps before graduating. He served his country during WWII and was stationed in Hethel, England flying 25 missions with the 389th Bomber Group over Germany. After returning home from the war, he met Elizabeth Louise Busch and married her on January 1st, 1950. Together, they started farming in the Grand Junction area, and raised four children – Mark, Doug, Beth, and Lisa. From his youth until his retirement, Vernon took pride in his farm, his family, his community, and his country. He respected nature, enjoyed sharing many jokes, and loved spending quiet times with those close to him. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; his sister Beverly (Cyril) Butler; his children Mark Gunion, Doug (Carleen) Gunion, Elizabeth (Alan) Tribble, and Lisa (Matt )Gunion-Rinker ; Grandchildren Scott Gunion, Melissa (Nate) Duncan, Matt Tribble, Daniel Tribble; and Great-Grandchild Brayden Gunion. He was preceded in death by his parents Esther Olive Smith and Homer Sylvester Gunion.