Vernon Lawrence Cantrell, 81, loving husband of 40 years to Jeanie Toll Cantrell, passed away suddenly on Friday, September 22, 2017 at the Frankfort Regional Medical Center-ER.

Born September 7, 1936 in Cowpens, South Carolina, Vernon was the son of the late Lawrence and Velva Paris Cantrell. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Vernon Randall Cantrell and his brother, Jerry Cantrell.

Vernon served his country as a Sergeant working as an Aircraft Mechanic in the United States Marine Corps, followed by his service in the Air Guard and the Army National Guard. He was a member, deacon and member of Christian Men's Fellowship at First Christian Church. Vernon had numerous jobs including repairing lawn mowers for many in Lawrenceburg, a former school bus driver, limo driver, and served as a former deputy coroner in Anderson County for Brian Ritchie. He was a 50 year Mason serving in the Anderson Masonic Lodge #90 and was a member of the American Legion Post #34.

Including his wife, Vernon is survived by three children, Suzan Cantrell of Louisville, Barry Sparrow of Frankfort, and Julie (Barry) Goodlett of Lawrenceburg; 7 grandchildren, David Cleary, Karen Nethery, Kristen Cantrell, Rachel Cantrell, Amanda Goodlett, Abby Goodlett, and Adam Sparrow; 4 great grandchildren, Breanna Cleary, Emma Thompson, Aynslee Ellis, and Kiley Green; and two sisters, Jeanie (Gene) Henderson and Mel (Jim) Anderson, both of Spartanburg, SC; and his beloved dog, Deacon.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 26 ^th at First Christian Church beginning at 11:00 AM. Rev. James Wheeler will officiate the service. Burial with military honors will follow in the Lawrenceburg Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 – 8 PM at First Christian Church.  Masonic Rites will be observed at 7:45 PM Monday at the church.

Memorials in memory of Vernon Cantrell are suggested to the First Christian Church, Building Fund, 300 South Main St., Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.

Serving as pallbearers will be Barry Sparrow, Barry Goodlett, Martin Harley, Ricky Gillis, Bobby Cooper, and Hager Hollon.   Members of the Christian Men's Fellowship of First Christian Church and members of the Wheels of Time Car Club will serve as honorary bearers.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com .