Vernon E. Bothwell Sr, 95, of Cloverdale, passed away Monday, 19 March 2018. He was born in Merrillville, Indiana in 1922.
Vernon entered the Army Air Force in 1941 serving throughout WW II as both a bomber and a fighter pilot, cultivating a love for flying which lasted a lifetime.
He was an IBM retiree.
He is survived by daughter, Roseanna Faulkner; son, Vernon Bothwell Jr and wife Janie; granddaughters, Vanessa Bothwell and Valerie Seibert and her husband Ben; great-grandchildren, Brynn Bothwell and Sebastian Seibert; sister, Donna Bowman; and brother, Terry Foddrill.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jeannette Bothwell; spouses, Jane Bothwell and Pat Bothwell; and brother, Jack Foddrill.
In accordance with his wishes, no public services are planned.
James Lyon says
God bless all of you. Thanking God for such a hero. Hats off to the Greatest Generation!
Linda Bond says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was quite a gem!
Kenny Minor says
Our love and prayers to your family. We go back to Ashboro days and going to school with you kids at Bowling Green. Kenny loved to talk airplanes with your Dad. What a hero……may he rest in peace. Ken and Judy MInor
Jade Griffin says
I will miss your kindness and wisdom, you always made me smile. You and Pat , were a hoot!
I will miss you my dear friend! God bless you!
Much love,
Jade Griffin
SHARI & Marvin Mattison says
Vern always saw the funny side of things and that brought a smile to everyone else Ever the adventurer. I hope he is flying in a beautiful place.
Donna Huxford (Donnie) says
Vern was a cherished friend. He always had a big smile on his face. Hope he is having a chat with Perry about now.
Terry and Linda Hoffa says
Very sorry to hear about Vern passing. Extending our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dick and Karen (Huxford )McHargue says
Always enjoyed talking with him. And listening to his stories. Had a great sense of humor . Could always make you laugh. I would see him in Aldi’s or Wal-mart and would talk for an hour. Fly high friend!!!
Cindy Moore-Gamble says
Roseanna and Vernon, family so sorry to hear your passing of your dad. Your dad lived a long life and that is to be cherished. Time is very short for many. Look back at all the good times and photos of memories. Thank you for that wonderful photo of your dad at the plane. A different era. God Bless You. Love Cindy Moore-Gamble
Chuck Coffin says
I just found out today. My most heartfelt condolences.
Willie Hoagland says
I graduated A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) school with Vern at VU in 1987. Vern was the oldest graduate, by almost 50 years then, at the university and in our small A&P class he was an inspiration to us all. I’ve only seen and talked to him a dozen times or more over the years at the Putnam county airport, but each time we shared good stories and I would always learn something new from one of the last true aviators. God Bless.
Glenda Cordell says
Very happy that I knew him! A sweet, interesting, gentle man….fly high, Uncle Vern!
Clara Burchfield says
He is gone, but won’t be forgotten. A very kind and fun loving man. Fly high Vern.
Joe and Marcie Taylor says
Great man,always nice and had a great since of humor. Going to miss seeing him out mowing his yard this year or driving around in the yard.
Joe Stevens says
Thanks for your service. Men like you are a rare breed these days.
I’ll miss seeing you at your little air strip and always smiling face. I know you’ve just traded a set of metal or fabric wings for a different
set of wings. We will all miss you.
Karri Cummings LPN says
I was honored to get to know and to assist this wonderful man. My prayers goes out to all the family and it was a pleasure to serve you.
Jeff Weaver says
From The Weaver’s
I and my Father Wayne Weaver, currently 86, really enjoyed our time with Vernon. Dad also loved to fly so we would go up there to here his stories. Vernon was one of those guys who met you with a smile and liked a hand shake. I dont know if you remember me Rose but I was that small curly headed boy on Mr. Cash’s bus that you sat across from. I lived where Casey’s Gas Station is now. You was toll, blond and beautiful. I wish I had more time with Vernon as he always said he would teach me to fly. I was chicken. Jack Swope always tried to get me up there also. I wouldn’t go lol. Well I’m just so glad to see Vern had all this lovely large family. Take his love, smiles, heart and lust for life with you as yawl get back to your daily lives. I know the world will be a better place if you do.