Frank L. Verner

Frank L. Verner 83, known to all as “Capt Frank” passed away June 8th at his home after a brief illness. He spent 40 years at sea commanding small vessels to ocean going cargo and passenger vessels. His ship was toured by President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Roslyn while in port in Africa. He retired from Delta Lines in 1987 and was an “on call” captain for Ingalls Shipbuilding when needed to conduct sea trials for naval ships. In WWII he served in the Army and then in the Merchant Marines carrying troops and supplies all over the world. If anyone could say “been there, done that” it was Capt Frank. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was always the first one ready to go. A 50 year member of the VFW, he was also a member of the American Merchant Marines MS Gulf Coast Chapter. Born in Ocean Springs to Thomas Eugene Verner and Anne Buehler Verner, he was raised by his grandmother affectionately called “Mom”. His siblings are Walterine “Sis” Redding, Laura Verner, Dr. Buck Verner of Memphis and Juanita Costley. He is preceded in death by his precious wife of 51 years Jewel Verner. Although they had no children, he is survived by long time friend George Kiernan IV, a sister-in-law Margarite Hays and her husband, Robert, of Birmingham AL, and numerous friends A special thanks to Pam Walerczak for the care she gave and to Sharon Gartner for all of her help with so many other things. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at 11 am, at the Pass Road Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, 2511 Pass Road, Biloxi, with Rev. Bill Bagby officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to service. Burial will follow in the Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO BOX 50 Memphis TN 38101-9929.