Verne O. Lacey

Mr. Lacey died Friday, July 2, 2004, at his home.

He was born Feb. 19, 1924, in Topeka, the son of Clarence and Sarah Tekla Seachrist Lacey.

Mr. Lacey was an auto paint and body worker for many years. He formerly owned and operated the Farm and City Body Shop in Meriden, and was the former owner of Lacey’s Paint and Body in California. He was also a farmer and sheepman for many years.

Mr. Lacey was a member of Meriden United Methodist Church, Meriden Masonic Lodge No. 236 A.F. & A.M., where he served as a past grandmaster and past district deputy, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 399 of Meriden, where he had served as Past Worthy Patron, and Meriden Kiwanis Club.

Mr. Lacey married Joanne Marie Gillum on May 15, 1950. She survives, of the home.

Other survivors include a son, Charles E., Topeka, a daughter, Mary Susan Ragsdale, Bonner Springs, a sister, Vivian Johnson, Anderson, Calif., five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A son, Franklin D., died in March 1968, and a grandson died in May 1981.

Friends may call after 3 p.m. Monday at the funeral chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

The family suggests memorials to Jefferson County Hospice, sent in care of the funeral chapel, P.O. Box 331, Meriden 66066.