Obituary of Vernon Conway Brightwell

Vernon Conway Brightwell, age 96, of Jefferson City, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Bluffs, Jefferson City, Missouri.

Vernon was born July 3, 1921 in Harmontown, Arkansas. He was the son of Joe and Mamie (Harmon) Brightwell. He had 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Vernon attended elementary and secondary school near his birthplace in Arkansas. He later served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II.

On July 11, 1942 he was united in marriage to Nina Jo Stair who preceded him in death in 1994. Two children were born to this union. Later, Vernon was united in marriage to Esther Lucille Shockley in September of 1995. After their marriage, he moved to Lake Ozark, Missouri where they resided together until recently. The couple shared 22 years of marriage together at the time of his death.

 Vernon worked as a mechanic for the Missouri Pacific Railroad until his retirement. During this time, he was a member of Memorial Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Missouri where he served in many capacities over the years including deacon, RA leader, midweek service cook and helper. Most recently he was an active member of Riverview Baptist Church in Osage Beach, Missouri. Vernon enjoyed several outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, hunting and gardening. He was an avid craftsman. Grandfather clocks, china closets and hall-trees are just a few of the items he crafted. His greatest joy in life was being with family and friends no matter the occasion.

Vernon is survived by his wife Lucille of Springfield, Missouri; daughter Janet L. Enloe and husband Mark of Eugene, Missouri; step-children Linsey McClure, Donna Carrender, Todd Shockley and Tim Shockley; 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and step great grandchildren along with many friends that will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Mamie Brightwell; wife Nina Jo Brightwell; son Leo C. Brightwell; 3 brothers; 2 sisters and step daughter Sharon Declue.

The family will welcome friends for visitation on Monday, October 16, 2017 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, Osage Beach, Missouri. A graveside service will be held following visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens, Jefferson City, Missouri.