Vernon Flynn

Vernon LeRoy Flynn, age 86, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2017 at the Heritage Health, Therapy and Senior Care in Mt. Sterling.

He was born June 25, 1930 in Mt. Sterling, Illinois the son of Henry “Peck”, Jr. and Inez Verda Johnson Flynn.  He married Clara Jeanette Buss on June 15, 1952 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mt. Sterling and she preceded him in death on April 9, 2000.  

Mr. Flynn owned and operated Flynn’s Markets in Mt. Sterling, Rushville and Meredosia for over 45 years, retiring in 1999.

He graduated from Mt. Sterling High School with the class of 1948.  Vernon was known as an excellent athlete and served as captain of his high school basketball team.  His senior yearbook noted he was an expert at dribbling, able to move through impossible defenses to score a goal.  He was also the leading hitter for his high school baseball team and played an excellent centerfield.  Vernon was the first president of the high school Boys Athletic Klub known as “BAK”.  He was a charter member of the Hornet Klub which was an exclusive klub within the BAK.  He also served as vice president of the BV club, an affiliate of the science clubs of American.  Vernon also served as vice president of his sophomore class.  Mr. Flynn graduated from Culver Stockton College in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree.  During his college career he played both football and basketball, playing basketball for two years and then serving as the assistant coach and scout for the last two years of college. 

Mr. Flynn was a veteran of the Korean War having served his country in the United States Army where he was a recipient of the Korean Service Ribbon with one bronze service star, the Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

He was a lifetime member of the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374. 

Vernon always enjoyed hunting and fishing and had an eagle eye for finding mushrooms.  He also enjoyed hunting for and collecting Indian artifacts.  In his later years he loved to travel to South Carolina and Florida to hunt for seashells. 

Vernon was known as an avid gardener, who loved to share his produce with family and friends.  He also truly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s many activities. Vernon was also a fan of John Wayne and always enjoyed watching “The Duke” in his many movies.

Survivors include 6 children Steve Flynn (Cinda), Gregory Flynn and Rodney Flynn (Sue) all of Mt. Sterling, DeeDee Rischbieter (Michael) of Clinton, South Carolina and Cheryl Flynn and Nanette Flynn (Doug Hess) all of Mt. Sterling.  8 grandchildren Jeremy Flynn (Jessica), Joshua Flynn (Barbara), Alissa Stults (Jordan), Alanna and Damon Flynn, Jennie and Amie Rischbieter and Jacob Flynn.  9 great grandchildren Izabella, Katey, Klare, Connor, Grace, Reese and Mia Flynn and Griffin and Alexis Stults also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister Mildred Yockey.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Aaron Foster officiating.

Burial will be in the Mt. Sterling Catholic Cemetery.  A military service will be conducted at the graveside by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Friends may also call from 8:00 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday at funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Brown County High School Athletic Department or Brown County Against Cancer.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.