Vernon Leroy Hartgraves

Ava, MO

Vernon Leroy Hartgraves, 82 years, 11 months, and 17 days old, passed to heaven on January 10, 2011 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, MO.

Vernon was born January 24, 1928 in Haddam, KS to Aubrey and Leona (Williams) Hartgraves.

Vernon lived most of his life in the Ava and Thornfield community. He was a retired Highway Construction Worker. Vernon was also a lifelong minister and loved preaching in the surrounding counties. He was a veteran and had served with the U.S. Army.

On December 18, 1997, Vernon and Dedra Lynn Hamby were united in marriage in Ozark, MO.

Vernon enjoyed preaching, studying the Bible, gardening and the outdoors.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son, Timothy Dean, two brothers, Gene and Wayne and one sister, Joan Holt.


Vernon is survived by his wife, Dedra Hartgraves, Ava, MO, three children & their spouses, Darrell & Terry Hartgraves, Ozark, MO, Jimmy & Chris Hartgraves and Connie & Mike Burris all of Ava, MO, two step children, Ardell Davis, San Diego, CA and Tela Davis, Ava, MO, six grandchildren, Zach, Zane, Mike, Jason, Wesley and Tina, six great grandchildren, one sister, Carolyn Killough, Wichita, KS, several nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.

Cremation services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO. Private services will be conducted by the family at a later date and time. Memorials may be made to the Thornfield Cemetery or charity of choice.