Vernon N. Kemmann, 89, of 02605 Salem-Noble Road in rural Auglaize Co., OH died noon Thursday November 19, 2009 at his residence.

He was born April 8, 1920 in Long Island, NY to Frederick and Regina (Banschbach) Kemmann.

On July 26, 1942 in St.Marys, OH he married Velma Ruth Wilkins, who died May 30, 1998.

He is survived by:

Son, Terry (Theresa) Kemmann of St.Marys, OH

Daughter, Karen Kemmann of St.Marys, OH

Daughter, Valerie Kemmann of New Knoxville, OH

5 grandchildren: Davy Kemmann, Christopher Kemmann, Matthew Kemmann, Michael Kemmann, Melissa (Justin) Rife

5 great-grandchildren: Jeremy Kemmann, Amber Kemman, Olivia Rife, Zachary Rife, Ethan Rife

Close companion and caregiver Evelyn Moser of Celina, OH

He was preceded in death by hisparents, wife,  and grandson, Craig Kemmann

He was a farmer and retired from the former New Idea Corp. in Coldwater, OH, where worked as a welder/electrician. He also helped many of his farm neighbors in Salem and Noble Townships with welding projects. In addition, he drove school bus for St.Marys City Schools in the Noble district and operated a sawmill with Jake Hamp in rural Kossuth, OH.

He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in St.Marys, where he served in various capacities. He enjoyed boating and was a member of the Lima Power Squadron. He constructed and flew radio-controlled airplanes, and donated a flying field to the Auglaize Co. Buzzard Baiters. He was a licensed amateur radio operator (WB8CWB) and also enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Mischievous and full of antics in his younger years, he once flew an airplane without a license. Upon becoming airborne, he realized he could not perform a landing and had to be talked to the ground with assistance. On another occasion , he and some friends lined the streets of Mendon, OH with outhouses. Those were the days!

Funeral riites are scheduled 1:30 p.m. Tuesday November 24, 2009 at Miller Funeral Home & Cremation Service 1605 Celina Road in St.Marys, with the Rev. Douglas Meyer, officiating. Burial will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery, in St.Marys.

Visitation for family and friends will beheld  2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home on Celina Road.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Auglaize Co. Buzzard Baiters.