Vernon Thomas Sylvester, 92, passed away on the evening of February 15, 2020, at his daughter's home.

Vernon was born August 24, 1927 in Burlington, Kansas, the eldest child of Thomas Ware and Carrie E. (Marvin) Sylvester. He grew up attending school at Waverly. He graduated valedictorian from Waverly High School with the class of 1945.

In his early adulthood he worked on the family farm and was employed by the Coffey County Road Department. Vernon married Roberta Stevens on October 23, 1954 in Waverly. They became the parents of three children, Vernon (Wayne), Judith, and Kenneth. They raised their family on a farm south of Williamsburg. Vernon spent the majority of his working life at Ottawa Truck, retiring in 1992. Vernon and Roberta were married for 54 years before she passed away in 2008.

Vernon lived out his faith and was an active member of the Peniel Bible Church of Waverly. He liked reading, studying maps, and geography. He was a representative for Coffey County Meals on Wheels in Waverly.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother Keith.

Vernon is survived by his children, Wayne and Cheryl Sylvester of Perry, Kansas, Judith James of the home, and Kenneth and Shari Sylvester of Blue Springs, Missouri; grandchildren Diana Keiling of Broomfield, CO, Wendy Sylvester of Portland, OR, Patricia Sylvester of Washington D.C., Matthew Sylvester of Williamsburg, Aaron Sylvester of Newton, and Christie Mason of Ottawa; 7 great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, February 24, 2020 at Peniel Bible Church north of Waverly. Family will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the church. Burial will be in Waverly Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Peniel Bible Church and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Burlington, Kansas 66839.