Clifton Mills Vernon

Our loving father, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend, Clifton Mills Vernon, returned home to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Cliff spent his last days on earth under the care of his daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Scott McQueen.

Cliff was born May 14, 1928 in Hoytsville, Summit County, Utah. He was the third child of Richard Lynn Vernon and Annabell Mills Vernon. Cliff graduated from North Summit High School in May of 1946. While in school Cliff played football, and was a sprinter on the track team. He joined the US Army on May 29, 1946 and was released with an Honorable Discharge on November 12, 1947. He was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky as Military Police. He also served as a 'Howitzer Instructor' and an 'Instructor of Driving Techniques.'

Cliff's life work was as a Mink Rancher and Truck Driver. He worked in the mink industry with his father, Lynn Vernon and his son, Mike Vernon. He hauled milk from dairy farms to Hi-Land Dairy in Murray, Utah for 28 years with the help of his sons, Mike and Dan and he drove cross country for IML. He later worked in the oil fields in Duchesne and Chalk Creek, Utah.

He loved recreation with his family and friends. He was one of the first to own water skis and a boat in the State of Utah. Hunting, fishing and exploring was a passion. He enjoyed prospecting and owned a mining claim above Rock Port Reservoir. Cliff loved gardening and was known throughout the community for his raspberries and tomatoes. His love of the outdoors is manifested in his beautiful oil paintings.

On April 21, 1948, Cliff was sealed to Blanch "Lorraine" Bowen Vernon in the Salt Lake Church of Jesus Christ Temple for time and all eternity. They were loving companions for 71 years. They resided in Hoytsville, Utah for life. Cliff is survived by his brother, Fay Lynn Vernon (Annette) of Hoytsville, Utah; his children, Michael Vernon (Shaye) of St. Anthony, Idaho, Danny C. Vernon (Mary) of Grand Junction, Colorado, Allen Lynn Vernon (Dana) of Oakley, Utah, Deanna V. McQueen (Kenny) of Hoytsville, Utah, Carolyn V. McQueen (Scott) of Hoytsville, Utah; 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson.

A special thank you to Geri at Mountainlands. We also appreciate Vicki with Danville, who came and sat with Cliff twice a week. The family would also like to express gratitude to Tracy Sargent with Goff Mortuary and to the Encompass Home Health and Hospice team for their comforting care and love shown to Cliff. We are especially grateful for Jeanette Vernon, Corey Ann Blonquist and Stephanie Morris; what sweet angels these women are.

The family will receive friends at the Hoytsville Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Chapel on March 10, 2020 at 11:00 am -12:00 pm, prior to Interment services at the Hoytsville, Utah Cemetery.