Vernon Thomas Mitchem

Feb. 22, 1916 - Feb. 29, 2008

Vernon Thomas Mitchem of McCook, died on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Heritage Nursing Home of Wauneta. He was 92 years old.

Vernon was born on Feb. 22, 1916, at Simla, Colo., to Jess Albert and Viretta (Bales) Mitchem. He attended McCook Public Schools.

Vernon entered the U.S. Army in August of 1945. He was honorably discharged after serving five months and five days when World War II came to a close.

On Feb. 11, 1940, he married Catherine Worske at Oberlin. To this union four children were born. Vernon was a truck driver for more than 29 years for Burlington Truck Line and later for Consolidated Trucking, retiring in August of 1974.

Vernon enjoyed music and playing the guitar and harmonica.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Jess and Viretta Mitchem; his wife, Catherine on Sept.25, 2004; grandson, Jeffrey Brown; four brothers, Harry Desmond, Glenn, Dale and Robert Mitchem; and four sisters, Vivian in infancy, Sylvia Rogers, Eva Foster, and Elva Drake.

Survivors include his two sons, Gerald Mitchem and wife, Pat and James Mitchem, all of McCook; two daughters, Carolyn and husband, Bill McNabb of Denver, Colo., and Gloria Brown of McCook; one brother, Gale Mitchem and wife, Lee of Yuma, Ariz.; one sister, Marjorie and husband, Rod Brown of McCook; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and family.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be Wednesday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

Funeral services will be Friday, 2 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook with Pastor Eddie Wright officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.