During his lifetime, Vern J. Neeson visited many exotic and distant places from the islands of the Pacific Ocean to all 50 states in the Union, but he never found anywhere he liked better than ‘quiet little? Oxford.
‘There’s no place I’d rather come home to than Oxford,? he told the Leader in Aug. 1985.
Sadly, Neeson left Oxford for the last time when he passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 24. He was 83.
‘He loved Oxford so much,? said daughter Theresa Bologna.
Neeson and his lovely wife of 57 years, Margaret, moved to Oxford back in 1953 and lived in the house he built on Tanview for 31 years until moving elsewhere in the township.
Prior to arriving here, Neeson served in the 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, which was stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
The 4th Division shipped out in January 1944 and in 13 months made four major amphibious assaults in the battles of Kwajalein (Roi-Namur), Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima, suffering more than 17,000 casualties. For its bravery and daring, the 4th Division was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations and a Navy Unit Commendation.
Wounded in battle, Neeson was a recipient of the Purple Heart.
‘He was a member of the greatest generation,? Bologna said. ‘His devotion to duty during World War II developed the values for his lifetime.?
Proud of his military service, Neeson had been a member of the American Legion since July 1, 1945. Locally, he belonged to Post 108 on E. Drahner Rd.
For about 25 years, Neeson earned his living at Pontiac Motors as a tool and die maker. He eventually retired from there in the late 1960s as a supervisor.
Neeson then went to work at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion as a jack-of-all-trades for 15 years. He worked as the building and grounds manager, coached the baseball team and even drove a school bus sometimes. ‘He did whatever they needed,? Bologna said.
Neeson later worked at the Oxford Co-op in sales for about five years.
Fond of travel, Neeson and his wife visited all 50 states, making Alaska their last one in 1985.
Locally, Neeson was a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4764 and big supporter/fan of the Oxford Wildcats.
‘He went to all the sports, boys and girls,? Bologna said. ‘Dad attended many games.?
‘A dedicated family man? is how Bologna will always remember her father. ‘He loved his family,? she said. ‘He loved my mother. He was just a very loving, caring man.?
Neeson is survived by his wife Margaret and children Theresa (James) Bologna, Vern (Deborah) Neeson, Jr., Annette Neeson, Joseph (Paula) Neeson and Sandra Aulgur.
He’s also survived by 12 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and his sister Jane (Paul) Nadeau. Neeson is preceded in death by daughter Jane Gasaway.
A funeral service was held for Neeson on Monday, Oct. 29 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion. Interment was at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Oxford.
Funeral arrangements by Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors ? Bossardet Chapel.