Colfax – Vernon "Bud" Harper, 87, of Colfax, passed away at 2:50AM Monday, January 14, 2008 at Heritage Manor in Colfax.

Visitation for Vernon will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 from 9:30-11:30AM at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax. His funeral will also be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 1:00PM at the Funeral Home with Reverend Pastor Stephen Goodwin of St. John's Lutheran Church officiating.
Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington where Military Rites will be accorded.

Vernon was born in Gibson City on January 9, 1921 the son of Vernon and Margaret (Elliott) Harper. They preceded him in death.

He married Lily Beecher on April 25, 1945 at St. John's Lutheran Church rural Anchor. She survives along with three children, Charles (Rebecca) Harper of Eleva, WI; Marlene (Robert) Burtnett of Carmel, IN; and Michael Harper of Colfax. He has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Vernon was preceded in death by his stepfather, John Newby, two brothers, Virgil and Evan and one niece J. Lynne (Harper) Etherton.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army Air Force serving during WWII with the European African Middle Eastern Campaign and was awarded the Purple Heart.

After serving with the Army Air Force Military Police he continued in state and local law enforcement and was a local businessman in Colfax and Arrowsmith. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion for over 60 years. Vernon was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and will be missed by all who knew him.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the donor's choice of charily.