Businessman, attorney, bank president, and active church member are just a few terms that can be used to describe John Vernon. Most notably within the Marion community John is known for his leadership and community spirit, having served on the city’s planning and zoning commission, Library Foundation Board and Parks & Recreation Board. He was President of the Marion Chamber of Commerce, MEDCO and the MISD School Board, as well as a founding member of the Kirkwood Community College Foundation and Marion Independent School Foundation & Alumni Association.
John lent his guidance and expertise to a number of groups and Marion thrived in many ways through his contributions. John got his sense of community servitude from his father C.B. Vernon who was long-time Superintendent of Marion Independent School District.
John helped with the legal work to get the Foundation established in 1989 and continued as an integral board member until 2015 when he was given the prestigious status of Emeritus Trustee. During his tenure on the Foundation Board, John was vital in the success of Project CONNECT and in establishing the Marion Grant program. To recognize his efforts, he was part of the first group of inductees into the Marion Independent School Foundation Hall of Fame in 1996.
John Vernon passed away in March 2019. To continue his lifelong mission and family tradition of support for education and community, his family directed memorials for John to the Foundation. To make a donation in his honor, you may visit our Donate page and note “John Vernon Memorial” in the Comment box. His legacy of service and his connection to Marion High School as a 1947 alum will long be remembered.