Vernon Irvin Paronto died unexpectedly at his home in Helena, on Saturday March 19, 2011. He was 81 years old.
Vernon was born on July 21, 1929 in Yakima, Washington to Henery and Bertha (Henke) Paronto. He attended Roosevelt Grade School, Franklin Junior High, and Yakima High School.
Vernon enlisted in the Army in 1951 and was stationed in Korea, working as a mechanic, until his discharge in 1953. After discharge from the military he worked as a mechanic in Washington State before accepting a job with the Veterans Administration at Fort Harrison.
Vernon worked as a police officer for the VA at Ft. Harrison, retiring in 1984 after 29 years of employment. He was a member of the Montana National Guard and a volunteer firefighter. He was the owner of Hounder CB sales in Helena from 1975 until 2002, when deteriorating health forced him close the shop he loved so dearly. He was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed science fiction and fantasy novels. Vernon was never one to sit around when he could do something else, and he enrolled at UM Helena to take computer science classes in 2004, enjoying them greatly while he was able to go to school. He also had a passion for cars, especially racing and NASCAR.
Vernon met and married his first wife, Maybelle Lee, while both were employed at the VA. They were married from July 1959 until her death in 1994. They both enjoyed fishing, traveling and were members of the Helena Mineral Society, NARFE, and both were licensed amateur “ham” radio operators for many years.
Vernon re-met a friend, Vicki Henderson, and they were married in August of 2000. He had no children, but she brought a whole family of children and grandchildren into his life. He and Vicki shared a lot of the same interests, and did some traveling. The grandchildren kept him busy with endless inquires and boundless energy, even delighting in such questions as “Grandpa, why are you so old?”, or “Grandpa, where did your hair go?”
Vernon is survived by his wife of 10 years, Vicki; step-daughters Sara Hardy of Great Falls; Michelle (Troy) Barry, of Pearland, TX; Rebecca (Anthony) Foor, of Everett, PA; Joanna Henderson, of Helena; Amanda Henderson (Glenn) Gamble of Helena. He had 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He is also survived by sisters Betty Burow, Fern Bolyard, Elma Neifert, Wilma Johnston; brother Earl Paronto; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henery and Bertha Paronto, and his beloved wife Maybelle.
A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m., Friday, March 25, 2011 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel with military graveside honors to follow at Forestvale Cemetery. Please join the family for a continuing celebration of Vernon’s life at The Moose Lodge, 4750 North Montana Ave., Helena, following graveside services. Memorials may be sent in Vernon’s name to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to that of donor’s choice. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Vernon, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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richard radcliffe says
so sorry to hear about your lost it was shocking news to hear thinking of u
Charles & Wilma Johnston says
We are so sorry to see Vernon leaving us so soon. I have a couple wonderful memories of him to share. When I was about 16, he bought me a prom dress in Yellow, I never made it to the prom, but it was a wonderful thought. Just after he was discharged, he was feeling very down, We surprised him with a Cake made from a Meat Loaf, frosted with Whipped Potates and complete with candles. It did seem to lift his spirits. Even then he could not eat sweets due to blood sugar issues. We will see you at the services.
sue bartole says
We sent our deepest symphony to your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Mary Brydich says
Vicki and Family – I am so sorry for your loss. Vern was truly one of a kind and was always so good to me and the rest of the Betts Family. I have many wonderful memories over my adult life – especially past Christmases when Vern would come to dinner. Every Christmas when I put my ornaments on my tree and look at the ones he gave me, I think of him. Thank you for taking such good care of him over the years.
Crystal and Dave Shors says
Reading about Vern taking on the challenge of a computer classes made us smile because our experience with Vern was that he had a passion for learning and information. His health struggles were made easier with the happiness he found when Vicki came into his life. Our thoughts are with his family.
Natalie Stasko says
I’m so sorry to hear about Vern. I will miss seeing him. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask.
Richard Van Nice says
Condolences and love to Vicki and the family. Thinking of Vern and
rock hunting in my youth and years
and years of he and the whole gang
and books makes me smile. He is
and will be missed. Peace to you
all. Van.
Don & Terri Overman says
I will really miss Vernon, and have really enjoyed our friendship of 70 plus years.-Don