Earl Vermillion, 90, passed away November 9, 2023, with his beloved wife Shirley, at his side, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Montana. Earl was born in San Jose, California on March 12, 1933, the seventh of eight children born to Ina Papson and Fred Milo Vermillion. His siblings preceding him in death were Evelyn, Mary. Billie Jean, George (Bud), James, Ralph, and Robert. He and his siblings played with a two-wheeled tricycle and a flat football. They made the best of what they had.
Earl and Shirley met in high school and married shortly after graduating, on September 20, 1953. That is the year Earl began his military career in the US Army. He was stationed in Ethiopia, Germany, and various locations stateside. He enlisted during the Korean War and served a tour of duty in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star. He retired as a CW-2. After retiring from the Army, he spent many years working as a service officer for disabled veterans. He was one of two officers who started the transportation services for the DAV. He had a tender heart for veterans and could not pass any veteran looking for help without hearing their story and assisting in some way.
Earl was a born performer. He was in a barbershop quartet, filmed local commercials and left many laughing at his stage performances. He always had a joke ready in any situation. At family reunions he entertained endlessly. We imagine there is a joyous reunion with his siblings gathered in a circle to hear him again.
Earl and Shirley’s eldest child, Larry Douglas Vermillion, also a veteran, preceded him in death on January 6, 2016.
The grieving family left behind include his wife, Shirley and their other four children, Charlene (Jay) Knight, Patty (Fred) West, Jim (Mary) Vermillion and Brian (Dani) Vermillion. They have 11 grandchildren (Kara, Brady, Katy, Devin, Tyler, Gage, Parker, Cooper, Selway, Meakin and Kadic) and 11 great grandchildren (Joseph, Grace, Jack, Milo, Owen, Makayla, Max, Emmett, Adler, Riggs, and Sawyer.)
Funeral services are being provided by Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A public viewing will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the LDS church located at 1260 Otter Rd, Helena Montana. The funeral services will be held at the same location, beginning at 11 a.m. Internment will be at the Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 14, 2023
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter- Day Saints
1260 Otter Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 14, 2023
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter- Day Saints
1260 Otter Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday November 14, 2023
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 14, 2023
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter- Day Saints
1260 Otter Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 14, 2023
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter- Day Saints
1260 Otter Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday November 14, 2023
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Terry says
Earl – So many enjoyable moments with Earl and his family. That smile and chuckle. I could close my eyes and hear it now. And thank you for buying that Cadillac, so many many hours of riding in that smooth ride listening to metal. You had so many stories, told with perfection.
Deziah says
OHHHH, So very sad to see this. We had great conversations when he would come to the VA, or seeing him around town. Rest in Peace my friend… Till we meet again
Carla L McLaughlin says
Earl,
You will be missed. You cheerful face and your kindness to all veterans families you came in contact over the years. Your work in the DAV was remarkable. Thank you for your friendship over the years.
Debbie Boyle says
I spent many hours watching Earl and my dad, Carol Lieberg, sing in their barbershop harmonies in our basement. Seeing them bring their act to life in the stage at Helena Junior High, was such a joyful experience for me; I have held those memories dear to my heart ever since. My dad spoke fondly of Earl through the years. May he rest in peace.
Manley and Jeannine Stallings says
So sorry to here of Earl’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Shirley and family.
Trina Soria says
I’m a neighbor and have enjoyed Earl’s stories and his infectious smile over the last few years. He will be missed. May your whole family be surrounded by love and support for as long as needed.
Clara Martinez says
I’m a friend of his daughter (I went to school with her) Mr. Vermillion always was kind, nice, fun to be around never made me feel awkward, when we would run into each other he always was very friendly and was always funny. And after all these years he knew my name. May you rest in peace, I will always remember you as the awesome person that you were. God bless you and your family. It was a blessing to have known you and your family.