Irvin Vern Worden

In Loving Memory
Irvin Vern Worden

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the Friend Congregational Church (formerly UCC) in Friend with Pastor Dave Coleman officiating. Interment will be in Andrew Cemetery with Military Services. Viewing will be at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home on Friday from 5-7 pm and one hour prior to service on Saturday. Memorials are directed in care of the family for later designation.

Irvin Vern Worden was born at Oak, Nebraska on December 31, 1929 to Mable (Young) and Henry Worden, the youngest of seven children and passed away Monday, September 24, 2018 at the Westchester Village in Lenexa, Kansas at the age of 88 years 8 months and 24 days. He moved with his family to Friend at the age of five and attended Friend Public School, graduating with the class of 1947. Vern as he was known by family and friends joined the Airforce in 1950 and was discharged in 1954 after serving nearly four years during the Korean Conflict. On July 20, 1952 he was united in marriage to Irene Champeon at Brunswick, Maine and to this union four children, Steve, Sheri, Sue and Scott, were born.

In 1947, Vern was the youngest businessman in Friend with the Worden Radio Shop. He later ran Worden Electronics as a repairman and RCA dealer. And, last but not least, Vern was employed by the United States Postal Service, working in Friend for 36 years, serving 23 years as the Postmaster before retiring in 1986.

Vern served the community of Friend in many capacities. He was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational Church and served as Treasurer, taught Sunday School, was active in the choir and sang in a local quartet. He was also a member of the Friend Chamber of Commerce and the Friend Rotary Club. He served on the Friend Public School Board and was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #270, receiving the Silver Beaver award. In his retirement, he has remained active in NARFE serving as the state president and Region 5 coordinator.

Vern enjoyed writing throughout his life from poems to a book about the Korean War. He was published in a children's book "Bedtime Stories: Original Tales Shared from One Generation to the Next." He wrote many articles for the Friend Sentinel and monthly articles in the NARFE organization publication. In his retirement, Vern continued his enjoyment of writing and belonged to a writer's club at his senior living community in Lenexa.

He is survived by his wife, Irene, Lenexa, KS, sons and daughter-in-law, Steve and Bonnie Worden, Port Charlotte, FL, Scott Worden, Reno, NV, daughters and son-in-law, Sheri Riley, Lincoln, NE, Sue and Barie Brettmann, Overland Park, KS, 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Mable and Henry Worden and his brothers and sisters. And one hour prior to service on Saturday at the church With Military Services SERVICES Visitation Friday, September 28, 2018
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Lauber Moore Funeral Home - Friend
814 Maple Street
Friend, Nebraska 68359 And one hour prior to service on Saturday at the church Funeral Service Saturday, September 29, 2018
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Congregatinal Church formerly United Church of Christ
639 2nd Street
Friend, NE 68359 Graveside Service Saturday, September 29, 2018
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM Andrew Cemetery
County Road E and 600
Friend, NE 68359 With Military Services