PORT GIBSON: Vernon I. Smallidge, died on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the age of 93. Please join the family for a graveside service with military honors at 3pm on Friday, October 11, in the Newark Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to a cookout to celebrate and remember Vern at the Port Gibson Fireman’s Field Pavilion from 4pm - 7pm the same afternoon. Please consider donations in memory of Vern to Honor Flight Rochester, Inc., PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692.

Vern was born on April 30, 1931, in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Charles and Elsie Smallidge. He joined the army in 1948 and proudly served our country. Vern was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received while serving in Korea as well as the Korean Conflict Presidential Citation. The funeral home proudly flies the United States Army flag in honor of his service. Vern was a skilled mason and worked many years as a member of Local Union #3, and enjoyed lending his skills to help others with odd jobs. Vern was always on the go, and you could find him spending time with family, hunting, golfing, bowling, roller skating, swimming, reading western novels, meeting friends for morning coffee, playing cards, and eating pastries of all kinds.

Mr. Smallidge is survived by his daughter Pamela (Daniel) Wagner; grandson Maxwell Wagner (Alexis Darbyshire); nieces Betty Marinaccio and Joan (Joe) Giuliano, nephew Peter (Barb) Simonse and many other beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth Smallidge and his siblings Beverly Egar, Dorothy “Fran” Christianson, Adele Smallidge, Chester Smallidge, Charles Smallidge, Durwood Smallidge and David Smallidge.

Online condolences @ www.rlyostfuneralhome.com