COLFAX - Vernon "Bud" Harper, 87, Colfax, passed away at 2:50 a.m. Monday (Jan. 14, 2008) at Heritage Manor in Colfax.

Visitation for Vernon will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax. His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. 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 Jan. 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, Eleva, Wis.; Marlene (Robert) Burtnett, Carmel, Ind.; and Michael Harper, 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 U.S. Army Air Force, serving during World War II 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 more than 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 charity.

Condolences and tributes may be made to the family at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com .