Vernon Dean Childerson

Vernon Childerson, 91, of Troy, Illinois, passed away Friday, July 18, 2025, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois. Funeral services for Vernon will be private.

He was born July 12, 1934, in Pocahontas, Illinois to Byron “Barney” and B. Marie (Busch) Childerson. One of seven children, Vernon grew up in Bond County and graduated from Greenville High School. He married Shirley Lou Volkmar on October 14, 1956, in Hookdale, Illinois. She preceded him in death on September 8, 2007.

Not long after marrying Shirley, he was drafted into the United States Army. Upon his return, Vernon began working as a laborer for Local 101 of East St. Louis, dedicating decades to his trade. Together he and Shirley raised two daughters and lived in Greenville until 1973, when they made their home in Troy, Illinois.

An avid outdoorsman, Vernon enjoyed hunting and especially fishing – countless hours were spent on the water with Shirley by his side. There was never a fish too small to be proud of – as seen by the abundance of photographs of his catches.

Known to most as “Hickory” he was gentle, honorable, loyal, and he was ornery in the best way – if he liked you, you got teased, and chances are, you had a nickname to prove it. He loved being with his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed listening to country music and had a collection of fishing poles.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, Barney & Marie; wife, Shirley; daughter, Janice Sullivan; siblings, Joyce, Roger, Norma, DuWayne, Wanda and Glenda.

He is survived by his daughter Lisa (Steve) Heimback of Caseyville, Illinois; grandchildren, Ian (Crystal) Heimback of Glen Carbon, Illinois, Stevee (Josh) Markland of Edwardsville, Illinois, Robbie Sullivan of Collinsville, Illinois, Kyle Sullivan; great grandchildren, Lexi, Logan, London, Andie and Zola; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to: Greene Cemetery, 318 Greene Cemetery Road, Greenville, Illinois, 62246.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Homes with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or to offer condolences to the family.