Vernon Lee Earl

One of the heroes of World War II, Vernon Lee Earl, entered eternal rest on Sunday, the 3rd day of January 2021 and is now resting in the presence of our Lord. Mr. Earl passed away at Dogwood Trails Assisted Living in Palestine at the age of 97. He was born in Chadron, Nebraska, on the 9th day of March 1923, to parents Rex T. Earl and Rintha Parks Earl.

After graduating high school, Mr. Earl enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and began active duty in May of 1943. During his time in the military, he fought in World War II in the Pacific Theatre and received several medals including the Bronze Service Star and World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned home to his family.

Upon returning, Mr. Earl and his one true love, Cymantha Hester, lived a fulfilling life raising their daughter, Shirley. The family had a farm in Amarillo, raising chickens and later, Mr. Earl went to work for Texaco, until his retirement after 28 years of service. While living in Amarillo, Mr. Earl was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon and after moving to Palestine in 1990, served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church. Mr. Earl had a strong faith in the Lord and lived by example. He taught his family about hard work and Christian morals. After his health declined and kept him from doing the things he loved, such as farming and yard work, Mr. Earl became an avid reader and enjoyed working wordsearches.

Mr. Earl is preceded in death by his parents Rex and Rintha Earl; wife, Cymantha Earl, who passed away in 1997; sister, Ruth Brophy; brothers, Willis Earl and Lloyd Earl; and son-in-law, Raymond Rogers.

He is survived by his daughter, Shirley Earl Rogers of Palestine; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Rutherford of Amarillo; grandchildren, Gina Bison and husband Mark of Palestine, Elisa Moore and husband Matt of Amarillo; great grandchildren, Luke and Will Moore; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services with Military Honors for Vernon Lee Earl are to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 9th day of January 2021 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Tony Watson officiating. An escorted procession will follow to Roselawn Park where Mr. Earl will be laid to rest.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family one hour prior to the beginning of service at Rhone Funeral Home.

For those unable to attend the service, a live stream will be accessible through Rhone Funeral Home's Facebook Page.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Matt Moore, Will Moore, Luke Moore, Mark Bison, Dickie McCurdy, Ricky Naismith, John Goodman, and David Richie. Honorary pallbearers will be the First Baptist Church Deacons and the Luke-James Men's Sunday School Class.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Mr. Earl's memory can be directed towards First Baptist Church, 5700 N. Loop 256, Palestine, Texas 75801.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Dogwood Trails Assisted Living in the excellent care that Mr. Earl was given.

Kindly note that for the protection of all who visit our funeral home, current protocols and guidelines are in place where masks and social distancing are required.

Funeral services for Vernon Lee Earl are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.