Vernon William Santa Cruz

Vernon William Santa Cruz, 86, of D'Iberville, MS died on Tuesday, April 28, 2009. Mr. Santa Cruz was a lifelong resident of N. Biloxi/D'Iberville, MS. He was a graduate and salutatorian of D'Iberville High School, Class of 1941. Mr. Santa Cruz was a veteran of WW II and served in the US Army, 7th Infantry Division where he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He participated in numerous invasions in the South Pacific Theater, including the invasion of Okinawa, where he received his wounds. He was the owner/operator of Santa Cruz Floor Covering and Five Point Service Station. He worked in New Orleans for many years as a sub-contractor for two major construction companies that were responsible for the skyline of the city. His families were pioneers of the Coast seafood industry. He loved this heritage and passed it to his family. He was also the owner of "Easy Money" pleasure boat. He enjoyed cooking his seafood cuisine for his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Santa Cruz is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Philomena Santa Cruz; daughter, Bonnie Bishop; brothers, Hayward R. Santa Cruz and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife of 58 1/2 years, Shirley Seymour Santa Cruz; three daughters, Deborah Mallette (Bobby), Melanie Lane, Shirley Rose Caddell (Stephen) and son-in-law, Mickey Bishop; eleven grandchildren, Michael, Brian, Brandon, Garth Vernon, Laura Lee, Jimmy Dwyer, Kelly, Johnathan, Jennifer, Stephanie, Shelley; three step-grandchildren, Robert, Buford, Bridget; three great-grandchildren, Georgia, Gabriel, Julian; seven step- great-grandchildren, Austin, Jordan, Lila, Emily, Ethan, Evan, Emma and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Biloxi where friends may visit three hours prior to service time. Committal Services with full military honors will follow in Santa Cruz Cemetery, D'Iberville, MS. View and sign registry book at www.bradfordokeefe.com