Vern R. Exley, Sr.

Vern R. Exley, Sr., 86, formerly of Conneaut Lake and Franklin, died Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at Wesbury United Methodist Community, Meadville.

He was born in Van, PA June 10, 1923, a son of Thomas and Vera Ziegler Exley.  He married Dorothy J. Clark December 27, 1944 and she preceded him in death May 25, 2002.

Vern was a 1941 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Port Arthur, TX and was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II.  He was employed at Joy Manufacturing, Franklin as a Hydraulic Designer where he was awarded 2 patents in his field.  He and his wife were also the owners and operators of Shore Acres Cottages, Conneaut Lake for over 30 years.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Conneaut Lake and was a former member of Rocky Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church, Franklin.  He was a 50-year member of Myrtle Masonic Lodge 316, Franklin, New Castle Consistory, and Oil City Lodge of Perfection.

Survivors include 2 sons, V. Richard Exley and his wife Darlene of Kennerdell and David C. Exley and his wife Janet of Erie; 2 grandsons, Jeffrey and Jason Exley; a sister, Pauline Kisseleff and her husband Lou of Laguna Woods, CA; an aunt, Helen Exley of Franklin; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.  In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Exley.

Calling hours are today (Thursday) from 6 to 8 p.m. at Waid-Coleman Funeral Home, 12422 Conneaut Lake Rd., Conneaut Lake.

A funeral and committal service will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. William Mills, Interim Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Conneaut Lake officiating.

Interment will be in Sunset Hills Memorial Gardens, Cranberry.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assn., N/W PA Chapter, 1128 State St., Suite 301, Erie, PA 16501 or Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335.