Vernon Stoner

Vernon E. Stoner, 86, Salamonia, died, Jan. 4 at his home.

Vernon was born Oct. 7, 1931, in Jay County, the son of Arlie Stoner and Minnie (Burkey) Stoner. He grew up in and around Salamonia, attending Salamonia School and graduating from Madison. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged with a National Defense Medal after the “police action” in South Korea.

Vernon was employed by Sierra Pacific Power Company, Nevada, where he married Teresa Lillian Prue on March 27, 1954. Wanting to be closer to his family, Vernon and his family relocated back to Indiana. He worked for Portland Forge, retiring in 1995. Vernon was a member of the Portland Moose Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing (particularly for turtles) and gardening, as well as sharing the bounty of that garden with neighbors, relatives and friends. He was an avid reader, as well as a very good cook who collected recipes and enjoyed preparing his family’s favorite dishes on Sundays.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Arlie and Minnie Stoner; brothers Walter, Calvin and Paul, and sister Edith Jetter. Wife Teresa Lillian Prue passed on Jan. 27, 1996; and grandson Michael Vernon Zalinski.

Vernon is survived by his siblings Esther Schindler, Carl J. Stoner and Edna White; his daughters, Debra (Mark) Barker, Regina Zalinski and Galen Stoner; and granddaughter Teresa (Clint) Kelley.

A family memorial gathering for Vernon will be held in Portland at a future date.

Arrangements by Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home.