Vernon L. Lacey, LTC (U.S. Army Retired), passed from this life on November 23, 2016, at his residence at the age of 86.  He was born in rural Western Greene County near Delaplaine on February 17, 1930, to the union of Ernest and Mabel Bracken Lacey.  He graduated from Delaplaine High School in 1946 and Arkansas State (at the time) College with a BS degree with majors in engineering and mathematics in 1950.  Vernon initially enrolled in ROTC because, at that time, two years of Military Science was mandatory for Land Grant Colleges.  At the time of graduation from college he was also commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of Field Artillery with an assignment to Fort Sill, OK.  Prior to going on extended active duty in September 1950, he married Ellen Rose Craig, whom he loved and cherished.  Vernon served 29 plus years in the U.S. Army prior to retirement to Paragould in 1979.  During his service he spent two tours of duty in Germany, one each in Korea and Vietnam, with stateside tours at Fort Hood, TX, Fort Bliss, TX, Fort Chaffee, AR, Fort Riley, KS, Fort Knox, KY, Fort Sill, OK, and Fort Sam Houston, TX.

Vernon had the heart of a servant.  He served as an elder at Center Hill Church of Christ for over 20 years and was a long time member of the Exchange Club.  His hobby was working on watches and clocks.

Vernon's parents, Ernest and Mabel (Bracken) Lacey, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ellen Lacey; one daughter, Pamela (Craig) McCoy, of San Antonio, TX; one son, Dennis (Mary Jo) Lacey, of Andover, KS; five grandchildren, Amanda, John, and Alexa Johnston, of San Antonio, TX, Shannon (Andy) Braun, of Wichita, KS, Sean (Hannah) Lacey, of Waltham, MA; and one great grandson, Aidan Braun, of Wichita, KS.

The family will receive friends 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at Phillips Funeral Home.   Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home with Gary Cremeens, Michael Meredith, and David Lawrence officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens.

Lasting memorials may be made in memory of Vernon to Crowley's Ridge Academy, Crowley's Ridge College, or Children's Homes, Inc.