Vernon was a self-starter and had an impressive work ethic at a young age. He got his first job cleaning an office on the Butler, MO square around age 8 or 9 years. Around 1977 (age 10) the family moved to Appleton City. There he and his brother were mowing lawns and shoveling snow. Then in high school, they hauled hay and Vernon got a part-time weekend job at Price Rite Lumber. He was known to be a good, honest, and dependable hard worker.
Vernon had many hobbies. Among them was his passion for music and writing. He enjoyed playing his guitar with family and friends and has written countless song lyrics and poems.
He also enjoyed many sports. He loved hunting, fishing and trapping, selling fur throughout his high school years. He played many school sports and was especially passionate about playing football. He was an all-state football player for Appleton City High School, graduating in 1985.
After high school, he went into carpentry and construction working for several large companies, latter of which was building bridges, however, it was concluded after he was hit and badly injured with a large crane hook. This started his decline in health. He managed to do some carpentry work off and on, but his declining health eventually forced him into early retirement on disability.
Vernon never got to have children of his own, but was an integral part of his nephew, Michael’s life. He was often the initiator of all things positive, fun and adventurous. He was also often a voice of reason and a force of understanding and encouragement for everyone.
Vernon always dreamed big, never small. He was a patient, loving, kind, considerate and generous person. He had a way of noticing when someone had a need or hurt, and he had a remarkably effective way of just reaching out to touch an arm and speak encouraging words of hope.
Sadly, and unfairly, his recent years have been years of pain and suffering, and even confusion. Amazingly, he often maintained positivity to his loved ones whenever he could, even though he was severely hindered at times. He didn’t get to accomplish what he wanted and hoped for, but everything he did get to do, he did with his whole heart.
He leaves many of us heartbroken and is already deeply missed. Vernon leaves behind two siblings, his brother, Louis “Dick” Stout and wife Ronda, and their daughters: Abby Sage and her children Arlo and Everlee, Sarah Bourland and husband Colby and their children, Taylor, Kenzie and Harlee, Baily Stout and significant other, Nathan O’Farrell; his sister Jeannie Wanstreet and husband Troy, and their children Michael and Shilo; also, a dedicated friend, Brian Thomas and many extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday March 1st from 12pm-1pm with the funeral service to follow at Hill & Sons Funeral Home in Appleton City.
