Vernon Louis Werner, 88, of Jackson died Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, at his home.

He was born Aug. 21, 1933, in Cape Girardeau to Paul and Clara Kester Werner. He and LaWanda Heise were married Sept. 14, 1952, at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

He was confirmed into the Kingdom of God at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, where he remained a member.

Vernon graduated from Jackson High School in 1951 and attended Southeast Missouri State University and Purdue University. His high school friends knew him by the name "Sonny," but later he acquired "Dutch," which remained with him.

He was an avid Mizzou football fan, holding season tickets and attending the games with his close buddy, Carl Curry, who preceded him in death in 2010.

Vernon served on the boards of Cape County Bank, Capitol Bank and Union Planters Bank. He was a charter member of the Jackson Jaycees, a former member of the Optimist Club and a charter member of Kimbeland Country Club, where he enjoyed many friendships with his golfing buddies.

Vernon proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and remained a 50-year-plus member of American Legion Post 158.

Vernon "Dutch" was founder of Vernon L. Werner Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, now Dutch Enterprises, Inc. of Jackson. He started his business in 1961 with one truck, faith in his God and lots of determination. He retired in 1996, but still had his office and enjoyed spending time there.

Survivors include his wife, LaWanda Werner of Jackson; two sons, Randolph Vernon (Terry) Werner and Mark Werner, both of Jackson; a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Werner (Robert) Janet of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Whitney Jean Werner (Adam) Embick of Columbia, Illinois; Kylie Brooke Werner (Carrie) Robert, Jordan Michael (Megan) Janet and Clayton Louis Werner of Jackson; Taylor Elizabeth Janet of St. Louis; Tanner Randolph (Robyn) Werner and Dakota Leigh Werner of St. Louis; and Ali Brooke Janet of Kansas City; great-grandchildren, Mason Gregory and Nolan Randolph Embick of Columbia; Libby Renae, Hattie Lynn and Ramsey Kaye Janet of Cape Girardeau; and Finley Brooke Robert of Jackson; and great-grandson, Wyndham Werner, expected to arrive in November.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Herbert and Raymond Werner; and three sisters, Vanita Seabaugh, Lorene Werner and Myrlene Ikerman.

Visitation will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Joshua Schmidt officiating. Entombment will be private at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, 2536 Boutin Dr., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701; St. Paul Lutheran Church, 223 W. Adams, Jackson, MO 63755; or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.