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SNJ 6/14 H/M Vernon W. Howery USMC Veteran
Rally: Gardner Funeral Home 126 South Black Horse Pike Runnemede
Rally Time: 1330
Flag Line: 1345
Vernon W. Howery, age 83, died on June 7th, 2023 after a brief illness.
Vern was born in Montgomery County, Virginia and moved to Camden, New Jersey at a young age. In 1959, at the age of 19, Vern joined the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably for five years. He then began his career at Owens Corning Fiberglass as a furnace operator for nearly 30 years, after which he worked for the Washington Township School district as a custodian for many years until his retirement.
He continued to honor his service with the Marines by being an active member of the PFC Giordano Detachment of the Marine Corps League up until the time of his passing, and was a member of the American Legion Post 135 in Gloucester City.
Vern is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carrol Howery, his son Vernon (Julie), his brothers Richard (Sandy) and Bruce (Kim), and sisters Judy Rigler (Joe) and Joyce Taylor (John). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Vernon (Heather), James (Kate), and Dana; along with his great-grandchildren Connor, Emilee, and Vera. He was preceded in death by his son Richard, brother James, and sister Phyllis McClosky.
Vern was an avid bluegrass musician. He could be found playing guitar with his band Timber Creek at the Albert Music Hall in Waretown, along with any kind of family gathering. He took great pride in his Virginia roots and would travel there each summer for his large family reunion, so that he could entertain everyone at the Friday Night Jamboree just "pickin' and grinnin'". The reunion at Smart View Park would often end with his rendition of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken".
But what truly brought Vern joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "Pop Pop" was a staple in their lives, playing and teaching them guitar and surrounding them with music and love. The "tough, ol' Marine" would simply melt around his grandkids.
There will be a viewing from 2:00pm-4:00pm on Wednesday June 14, 2023 at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral service to follow at 4pm. Interment private.
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Tony Meade AKA Tbone
SNJ. State Coordinator
tbonewwrnj@aol. com
(856)498-3555
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