July 24, 1937 – May 3, 2019
Vernon Richard Tunnell Sr., 81, of Sweet Home, died May 3, 2019 at a care home in Vancouver, Wash.
He was born July 24, 1937 in Vernonia, the son of Richard L. and Hattie E. (Warner) Tunnell.
He married Fay Clark in November 1959. They had five children and were foster parents to many children.
Mr. Tunnell retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service and local sawmills. He was a member of Elm Street Baptist Church and was a CASA volunteer for 12 years.
Mr. Tunnell is survived by his wife, Fay Tunnell; children Vernon Jr. and daughter-in-law Linda Tunnell, Amy Potter, Brenda Tunnell, Michael and daughter-in-law Michelle Tunnell, William McKee Tunnell, and Debra and son-in-law Robert Meston; foster son Erin O’Connor and wife Erika; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father; mother; stepfather Gerald Andrews; and one grandson, David Tunnell.
A graveside service with military honors was held May 6 at Gilliland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Tunnell’s name can be made to CASA of Linn County.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.