Velma Opal Vernon, age 85 of Eldon, died Saturday, April 8, 2006, at Eldon Nursing and Rehab. She was born March 3, 1921, in Eldon, a daughter of the late Robert Marion and Rebecca Ellen (Staples) Boan. On May 8, 1938, in Tuscumbia, she was married to Lester Lee Vernon, who preceded her in death on January 7, 2004.

Mrs. Vernon was a lifelong resident of Miller County and the Eldon community where she was best known as co-owner and operator of Vernon's Café in downtown Eldon. Prior to retiring she also worked for Citizens Bank of Eldon. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eldon where she served faithfully for many years.

Those who survive her include: two sons, Frank M. Vernon and wife Candous of Jefferson City and Donald L. Vernon and wife Laslee of Eldon; three daughters, Ruth L. Hees and husband Carl of Eldon, Laura Marie Pieper and husband Glen of DeWitt, Nebraska and Doris J. Lambeth and husband Larry of Noel; 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by one brother Thorp Boan and three sisters, Louvenia Sidebottom, Louise Christian and Lucy Wood.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, at the First Baptist Church of Eldon. Rev. Randall Bunch will officiate. Interment will be in Eldon City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Rekus Funeral Home in Eldon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.