Vernon A. Auer, a veteran and Cape Girardeau judge for 30 years, died Friday at the Missouri Veterans Home. He was 90.

In 1982, Mayor Howard Tooke declared Dec. 27 "Vernon Auer Day" in recognition of Auer's community service, which includes serving on the board of directors for the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, United Way of Southeast Missouri and Knights of Columbus, among others.

A decorated veteran, Auer served in the Air Force in the India, Burma and China Theater in 1944 and 1945, receiving two Distinguished Flying crosses, four air medals and three battle stars.

Following the war, Auer served for 26 years in the Air Force Reserve, retiring in 1972 as a lieutenant colonel.

He married Charlotte Walther in 1940, and in 1948 went on to serve as president of Walther's Furniture Co. and vice president of Walther's Funeral Home. Charlotte Walther died in 2006.

In 1959 he was appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to serve on a panel to instruct new judges of Eastern Missouri.

Auer was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, Hump Pilots Association, the Order of Elks and St. Mary's Cathedral.

He received the Peace Officer of the Year Award, the "Go Getter" Award twice from the Chamber of Commerce, the Boss of the Year Award from the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, the High Standard of Public Service Award from the Police Reserve, and in 2001 the Rush H. Limbaugh Award, given to a business person who has helped the community.

He had five children, 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements can be found on page 10A.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123