Vern Francis McNeely

Vern Francis McNeely went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 8. He was born Jan. 16, 1926 in Mobridge, SD to Cecil Francis and Hazel (Beusch) McNeely.

Vern joined the Navy in July 1943 and proudly served his country during World War II. He graduated from Mobridge High School in 1946.

Vern married Delores Stella Bieber on June 1, 1947. They made their home in Timber Lake, SD where they raised four children. Vern provided for his family by doing boot and saddle repair, as well as creating custom leather work. They owned their own western store for many years. In 1970 he took a job traveling for Circle Y Saddle Company as a salesman. After selling their business, Delores joined him on the road. They spent another five years traveling for Circle Y, making many friends along the way.

In 1979, they moved to Deaver, Wyo. where they lived for 16 years. They moved to Soap Lake in 1995. Once there, Vern built a shop so that he could continue creating custom leather work. He was an accomplished leather artist and a member of the Soap Lake Art Guild.

Vern is survived by his wife of 58 years, Delores McNeely, three children; Judy Cavier, Keith and Linda McNeely, Jerry and Boots McNeely, a daughter-in-law Carol McNeely, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a sister, Arlene Anderson.

Vern was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, son John McNeely, son-in-law Paul Cavier and grandson Paul Cavier Jr.