Vernon William Mayer Jr.

September 7, 1943 - December 2, 2021

Vernon William Mayer Jr., age 78, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021. He was married fifty-four years to devoted wife, Kathy. Vern and Kathy raised four children, Christine, Vern III, Joe, and Brian. His grandchildren include, Josh and Jason Weber, Jon Mayer, Gabriel, Alex, and Sydney Luaders, and Chase and Madison Mayer. Vernon Jr. was born September 7, 1943, the first of seven children to Vernon Sr. and Marie Mayer of Affton. His surviving sisters are, Janet Johnson, Sandy Reis, and Marie Nagel. Vern served as an Army Combat Engineer in the DMZ at the 38th parallel in Korea. When he returned, he met Kathy and promptly declared she was “The One.” Vern was a used car salesman early in his career and had a polyester suit and patent leather shoe collection to prove it. He enjoyed dancing and is remembered for having the original “happy feet.” Trained as a welder, he earned a living in the construction industry, primarily in the St. Louis area. He even survived a Shell Oil Refinery explosion in the 1980’s. Vern loved the outdoors and shared that with his kids. In 1986, Vern and Kathy settled in Sunrise Beach, Missouri to build boat docks. Some of his docks can still be spotted on the lake. He enjoyed watching his boys play football at Camdenton High School. He enjoyed playing in a local pool league with some of his friends and children. Vern retired at the lake and spent his final years often in his recliner, with Kathy nearby. Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, December 6, 2021 at Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chape; in Laurie, Missouri. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.