Vernon John Miller

Funeral services for Vernon John Miller, 85, Lawrence, will be at 11 a.m. today at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Graveside services with military honors will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.Mr. Miller died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.He was born March 29, 1923, in Rock Island, Ill., the son of Frank and Rena Klavohn Miller. He was a former resident of Moline, Ill.Mr. Miller served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Liddle, a destroyer escort. He worked for John Deere Co. for 32 years as a machinist and later as a supervisor before he retired in 1982.He was a member of Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church in Moline, Ill., where he was active in the men’s groups and served on various committees. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and regularly attended the Navy reunions of the USS Liddle.Mr. Miller was an avid golfer and bowler. He enjoyed construction, remodeling projects and traveling.He married J. LaVaughn Fair Miller on Oct. 10, 1948, in Andover, Ill. She survives, of the home.Other survivors include two sons, Tom and wife Terri Olson, Seattle; Jim and wife Martha Tucci, Lawrence; and seven grandchildren, Andy, Charlie, Jackie, Emily, Grant, Michelle and Lucca.He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harold; and a sister, Doris.The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. today at the mortuary before the services.The family suggests memorials to Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church in Moline, Ill., or Save the Children, sent in care of the mortuary.Online condolences may be sent at warrenmcelwain.com, subject: Miller.