< Back to News

Vernon A. Moorman passed away at the Boone County Hospital on April 11, 2024.

He was born on May 2, 1930, in Ralston, IA, to Alva & Eva (Blackley) Moorman. He was baptized at the Evangelical Church in Ralston. In 1943, the family moved to Boone, and he graduated from Boone High School in 1947.

He attended Electrical School in Omaha, where he met Gloria Greene, the love of his life. On October 30, 1948, they were married in Pocahontas, Iowa. They were blessed with seven wonderful children: Bruce (Jo), Ronna (Mike) O’Brien, Lynn (Mike) Sundall, Valerie (Danny) Williams, Mark (Mary) Moorman, Todd (Kris) Moorman, and the baby Scott (Sue) Moorman. He has 24 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Vernon was very proud of his children, their spouses, grandchildren, and down to their great-great-grandchildren for their accomplishments. Vernon and Gloria were noted for their family picnics held on their farm, having as many as 160 people in a day.

Following Electrical School, Vernon went to work at Radio Union 347, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and doing Commercial and Industrial work. Projects included CY Stephens and Civic Center Stage Lighting, approximately 17 years in Hospital construction and maintenance, and many other projects. He had his own business for three years in Anthon, IA, from 1954 to 1956, where he also started as Scout Master and taught swimming at Ally Gym in Sioux City for the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of Anthon. While there, he joined the Cerelean Masonic Lodge No. 550, AF & AM.

After moving back to Boone, he transferred to Mount Olive Masonic Lodge, where he received the Order of Arrow Award, became Worshipful Master in 1963, and was presently the oldest Past Master in the State of Iowa. During this time, he also became DeMolay Dad for six years, while also serving as PTA President for Garfield School.

He retired in 1992 after putting in 44 years in the Electrical field. He stayed busy after retiring with cattle, photography, grandkids, traveling, genealogy, working and driving his antique cars to car shows, bird watching, and playing slow pitch.

Throughout his life, he has been active in many community projects, wrote several articles for Boone Historical Society Magazine, and Trail Tails, Boone Centennial Pageant, and official photographer for one of the Pufferbilly Days Celebrations. He served 15 years on the Pufferbilly Committee and received the Lifetime Member Award, Past President of Tall Corn Antique Car Club, driver for 14 years of the 1902 Haynes Apperson (1st car in Boone County and 10th car sold in the State of Iowa), and tour guide on Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. He was also called upon to give talks on the Haynes Apperson and Kate Shelley High Bridge.

He served four years in the National Guard, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He served several years on the Marion Street United Methodist Church Board and was very proud to carry on the family membership having his great-great-grandfather, Morris W. Miller, and great-grandfather, Jacob Black attending the church.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, after 54 wonderful years of marriage; his parents; sisters, Beverly Jo and Patricia; brothers, Larry and Richard; sisters-in-law, Diane and Rosemary; and brother-in-law, Ray Elsberry.

Vernon is also survived by his brothers: Raymond, Ronnie, Jack, and Denny; and sisters: Joyce, Janis, and Donna.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Boone, with Pastor Angela Cunigan officiating. Burial will be at Squire Boone Cemetery following the funeral service. A Masonic service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 4:15 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Mount Olive Masonic Lodge in Boone or the Marion Street Methodist Church in Boone.