Vernon A. Michel

Vernon A. Michel, age 88, of Bland, passed away on December 6, 2023 at the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.   

He was born on March 14, 1935, in Fuersville, a son to the late Arnold and Josephine (Rohel) Michel.

On August 11, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joann Cautrell at the Bland Baptist Church. She preceded him in death on January 28, 2020.

Vernon was a lifelong area resident and a 1953 graduate of Belle High School. He was a member of the Zion Evangelical Free Church in Bland and hardly ever missed a Sunday service, even attending services while at Gasconade Manor. Vernon ran one of the biggest farms in the area, raising cattle and hogs and also worked driving a truck for a time. After he sold the farm, Vernon enjoyed rebuilding and fixing up antique John Deere and A & B Farmall tractors. Out of 109 tractors, he sold all of them but 1. A 1951 H. Farmall, that he kept for the family. Vernon enjoyed drinking coffee and visiting with friends at the local cafes, going on picnics, and eating homemade ice cream. He was generous, giving and was always willing to help out others in need. His faith in God was strong and he will be missed greatly by his community, friends, and especially his family.    

Vernon is survived by: one son, Greg Michel and his wife Kathy; three grandchildren, Adam Michel, Amy Lynn Harter, and Daisy Michelle Thomas; four great-grandchildren, Jackson, Thatcher, Sadie, and Montana; two great-great-grandchildren, Wayne and Colter; two nephews, Steve and Craig Biles; and one sister-in-law, Peggy Biles as well as many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his wife of 63 years and his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by one son, Brian Michel and an infant sister.

Visitation for Vernon will be on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Sassmann’s Chapel in Bland from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Sassmann’s Chapel in Bland beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place in the Bland Union Cemetery at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.