James Leland Vernon, 90 departed his earthly life on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013. He was born to Thomas O. Vernon and Elizabeth Brown Vernon on September 18, 1923, in Port Neches and was a lifelong resident of the Mid-County area. Leland retired from Neches Butane with forty-three years of service and was a member of IBEW for over sixty years. A World War II veteran, he served in the Army Air Corps in the European theatre where he flew thirty combat missions over Germany. He was awarded an Air Medal with five Oak Leaf clusters, a distinguished flying cross and a campaign medal with four bronze stars. Leland was a charter member of Trinity Presbyterian church. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who valued the great strength and love of family. Leland was also a lifelong Nederland Bulldog and Dallas Cowboys fan.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Beth Vernon Burns.

Leland is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-eight years, Gloria Bebe Vernon, brother, Thomas O. Vernon and his wife, Barbara; devoted sons, Mike Vernon and his wife, Judi, of Fulshear, Texas, Joe Vernon and his wife, Melanie, of Nederland and Paul Vernon and his wife, Tina, of Houston; grandchildren, Matt Vernon and his wife, Lauren, of Houston, Brooke Vernon of Nederland, Jacob Vernon and his wife, April, of Nederland, James Vernon of Magnolia, Texas, Amber Brown and her husband, Kenny, of Colorado, Lee Brown of Richmond, Michelle Richard of Port Arthur; and great-grandchildren, Lillian, Jennifer, Anna, Rylie and Joli.

A gathering of Mr. Vernon’s family and friends will be from 12:30p.m. until 2:00 p.m Sunday, December 1, 2013, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. A graveside service with interment will follow at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, December 1, 2013, at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 805 Sierra Drive, Port Neches, Texas 77651.