Obituary: Vernon Wasson

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Vernon Wasson, Aug. 23, 1930, to Dec. 22, 2011, a resident of Swansea, passed away at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville. He was born in Charleston, Mo. and raised in the Harrisburg area. He attended Harrisburg High School, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and Walnut Ridge Seminary-Arkansas. He was a Baptist minister for 60 years beginning at the Shawneetown Mission in 1955 and continuing with pastorates in Harrisburg, Elizabethtown, Tupelo Ark., Rosiclare, West Frankfort, Jacksonville, Carpentersville, Pinckneyville, Libertyville and Edwardsville. He retired in 1993 but continued with an interim pastorate at Big Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg.

He was one of six children born to the late Rev. Luther and Ora (St. John) Wasson and was the beloved husband of Sadie Lou (Brinkley) Wasson for 42 years until her death in 1993. Vernon will forever be remembered by his devoted daughters, Cynthia Lou (Wasson) Holderfield and Elise Ann Wasson; son-in-law, Dan Holderfield; brother, John; loving sister, Billie Womack; caring in-laws, Wanda Wasson, Patsy Wasson, Chuck Womack, Bob Brinkley, Carsa Hedger and Mollijean Frazier, along with many other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sadie; brother, Jack; and two sisters, Mary and Irene.

Vernon loved reading, writing poetry, laughing, being with his family, having fun with friends, and leading churches. He loved being called Pastor.

Vernon touched the lives of many people with his Christian witness and passionate preaching. Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, at Sunset Lawn Cemetery with departure at 12:30 p.m. from Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. The family requests that all flowers be sent to a memorial service held in Vernon's honor at 1 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2011, at Winstanley Baptist Church, 9471 West Highway 161, Fairview Heights, Ill. 62208, (618) 397-2010. Reed Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at the Internet site www.reedfuneralchapel.com.