Vernon H. Stearns 1929 - 1987

STEARNS, JOHNSON

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 2/24/2014 at 14:43:27

Onawa Democrat, Onawa, (Monona), Iowa, 9 Jul 1987:

VERNON H. STEARNS

Vernon H. Stearns, born July 28th, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 1st**, 1987.

He was the son of Rev. Arthur F. Stearns, and Sylvia Johnson Stearns of Omaha, Nebr. Rev. Stearns passed away in 1979.

Vernon spent the last 25 years of his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a free-lance artist there.

In his early years he was much interested in the entertainment field. His first art piece, his first play, was the first of many awards in school and college and showed the type of man he would become and the caliber of his work.

He was in his first play at Tech High School, in which he was the lead. Upon entering the University of Omaha, he joined the ranks of the up and coming stage struck young people.

He also went to college in Lawrence, Kansas, and finished his final year at Northwestern University in Chicago. He was in several plays and reviews while in college and received quite a few awards during this time.

In the late ‘40’s, he went to New York to try his wings in the theatrical field. He appeared on national television on the show “Swinging into Spring” with Benny Goodman as backup singer to Jo Stafford. From there he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Headquarters 21st Division, in Forbes Air Base in Topeka, Kans. While there he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his discharge, much to the surprise of his family, he decided to pursue a career in commercial art. He chose the canvas instead of the grease paint.

The Bible says, “Let not your heart be troubled-neither be afraid. Rejoice and be glad!” My human condition screams “How can I be glad?” Then I console myself, we can be glad that Vernon was in “our” family, that we were privileged to witness his unique personality, we were the beneficiaries of his creativeness, his artistic nature, humor, music and love.

In the days to come, Vernon will be around every table with us as we remember the tremendous impact he had upon our lives. Where we are, Vernon will be right there in the midst of us. Vernon knew we loved him without restraint—we did not withhold our feelings for him and he knew we held him in great esteem.

Survivors include his mother, Sylvia Stearns, Omaha, Nebr.; Diana Lynn, Omaha, Nebr.; Virginia Johnson, Onawa, Ia.; Lillian Foti, Phoenix, Ariz.; Don Stearns, Ahwatukee, Ariz.; Bill Stearns, Marcos Island; and Lyle D. Stearns, Falls City, Wash.

Memorial services were held in the First Christian Church in Whiting, Iowa. Interment was in the Harrison Cemetery, Evangelist Rusty Hedger officiating. Soloist was Shirley Petersen, singing “On the Far Side Banks of Jordan” and “When They Ring Those Golden Bells”.

Arrangements were by Pearson Funeral Home, Onawa, Iowa.

*Transcriber’s note: The following poem was included in Vernon Stearns’ obituary published in the Onawa Sentinel, 16 Jul 1987:

The Sea of Time

I am sailing on the sea of time,
A ripple in a stream,
I navigate with faith and hope,
I am guided by a dream.

My course was chartered years ago,
I’ve followed it each day,
And yet from time to time it seems,
That I have lost my way.

For I encounter storms,
That toss me high into the air.
Until the water calms again,
My heart is filled with care.

I know the voyage has to end,
And so I struggle on,
Always hoping each tomorrow,
Brings a peaceful dawn.

As I sail on the sea of time,
To distant parts unknown,
I’m so thankful to my God,
I do not sail alone.

By Vernon Stearns

(**Date of death was 19 May 1987 per SSDI.)