VERNIE ALVIN MEFFORD

Vernie Alvin Mefford was born in Oakland, AR on October 1, 1934 to Tom and Delphia (Terry) Mefford and passed into the arms of Jesus on February 5, 2012 at Ozark Mountain Regional Healthcare, Crane, MO. He was 77 years, 3 months and 5 days old.

He was a hard worker and good provider. He worked in Oklahoma and Wichita, KS before settling in Springfield, MO. He worked at St. John's Hospital as an electrical engineer for 10 years and retired from Cox North Health Center as an electrical engineer after 15 years. He was known for being able to fix anything and was always ready to help a friend or neighbor. He also enjoyed gardening until his illness.

On January 7, 1994 he married Rosalie A. Ragan. They had a happy and loving marriage.

He is survived by his wife Rosalie of the home; daughter Darla Rana Mefford-McCracken and her husband Joe, their children Taylor, Madison, Monroe and Jackson; a stepson Raymond and Don and their 3 children Cali, Jonathan and Liam and two special teens; a son Phillip Dwight Mefford; and two sisters Geneva Owen and Jearline Winans; nephews Clarence Winans, Earnie Owen and Denzil Owen; a niece Shirley Shockey; and many extended family members and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Delphia Mefford; a brother John Bacil; two brothers-in-law James Owen and B.C. Winans; and a nephew David Winans.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home Chapel, Gainesville, MO with Bobby Jo Wade officiating. Burial will be in the Price Place Cemetery, Price Place, AR. Visitation will be Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Association; Cancer Association; and the Good Shepherd Hospice in Springfield, MO.