LaVerne (Vern) D. Jones, 73, passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines.

He was born in Zookspur, Iowa on July 6, 1934 and graduated from Woodside High School.

During the Korean War, he served as a Sergeant in the Marine Corp. Vern retired from Mid-American Energy in 1987 after working 30 years. An avid outdoorsman, he also loved to cook, dance, sing and watch sports. Most of all he had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Colleen; son, Don; step-daughters, Terri (Daryl) Degner and Sherri Larimer; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his mother, Dorothy; two sisters, Lila Brugioni and Sharon (Ron) Stubbs; one aunt and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Donald and brother Lloyd.

A public Celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Adventure Life Reformed Church, 1700 8th Street SW, Altoona where he was a charter member. Family will greet friends following the service.

Inurnment burial will be held at Oakwood Municipal Cemetery in Pleasant Hill following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines or a charity of the donor's choice.