Herbert Eugene Vernon
March 9, 1939 - May 14, 2026

Herbert Eugene "Herb" Vernon, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born to Madison and Eva Vernon on March 9, 1939, in a two-room mining shack in the coal fields of Keokee, VA (current population about 174!). His parents' example taught him hard work and resourcefulness; Herb would speak with emotion of his father's strong, capable hands. Two years before Herb was born, his father's life was saved by a miner named Herbert Eugene, who carried a gravely injured Madison about a mile out of the coal mine. Herb was named after his dad's rescuer, and all of his progeny are thankful that, in the providence of God, this man's heroism ensured their existence!

Herb's academic gifts, particularly in math, prompted his school buddies to nickname him "Einstein." He studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University for a year, then embarked on a 25 year career with Cummins Engine Company. In 1969, after significantly boosting Cummins' market share in 11 western states, he became the Vice President of Marketing at Cummins Northwest Diesel, moving the family from Columbus, IN to Bellevue, WA. Herb later transitioned to the hydroelectric industry, where he became widely respected for his innovation and leadership in hydroelectric plant control systems around the world. He served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for ABB Phoenix Controls and later became founding partner and President of Phoenix Power Control, Inc. Herb helped design and automate hydroelectric control systems across the United States, Guatemala, China, Thailand, and the Philippines. He retired in June, 2016. In recent years, he spoke of his career success less as a personal trophy, and more as the means by which he provided for a growing family.

Herb met Jacqueline Rae "Jackie" Partin at Cummins Engine Company, where she worked as secretary to the corporate attorney. On August 2, 1959, they were married at the First Christian Church in Columbus, IN. Their marriage spanned 62 years and their four children, Kim, Lori, Tara, and John, count themselves blessed to have grown up in a stable and happy home. Herb often described Jackie as God's greatest earthly blessing in his life. By God's grace, their love and commitment carried them through child rearing and career and financial challenges; the same grace and a great love sustained Herb through the progression of Jackie's Alzheimer's disease, and her passing in 2021.

Herb was in his forties before he professed faith in Christ. In his testimony, he recounted two significant events--one, a costly business failure that humbled him, and the other, the surprising arrival of a fourth child--his first son. He began to see both the futility of trusting in his own efforts, and the grace and power of God to bless him in ways he neither deserved nor anticipated. With these revelations from the Holy Spirit, along with Jackie's faithful prayers, and the friendship and care of other believers, Herb came to believe he was loved and redeemed by God. He eventually joined Jackie as a member at Bellevue First Presbyterian Church, and served on mission trips, in men's ministry, as a deacon, and a Lifetime Elder. He valued rich and meaningful friendships and accountability with a group of Christian men who met together for many years. When asked, Herb often reflected on how God's grace had pursued him throughout his life.

Herb's analytical brain, gift with words, sharp wit, skill at fixing anything, strong stubborn streak, and occasional hot temper were well known to those who knew and loved him. As time went on, he grew in humility and gentleness. Herb loved old cars, woodworking, gardening, trail walks, beach cabin restoration projects, and time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially delighted in family gatherings, conversations around the table, and sharing stories from his Appalachian roots. In later years at Emerald Heights, where he and Jackie moved in 2015, Herb remained active, serving as chair of the Building and Grounds committee, and enjoying plentiful opportunities for fun and friendship.

Herb is survived by his children Kim (David) Rendle, Lori (Mike) Uhl, Tara (Brent) Locknane, and John (Erin) Vernon; his thirteen grandchildren Robbie, Anne, Keely, Barrett, Emily, Christina, Alyssa, Payton, Tessa, Drew, Jack, Madi, and Elise; and his six great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind extended family and treasured friends, including Kathy Muir, whose companionship, care, and humor brought great happiness to Herb in recent years, and blessing to our whole family. Herb was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jackie Vernon, his parents Madison and Eva Vernon, and his infant brother.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the caregivers, nurses, friends, and staff who cared for Herb with compassion and skill, especially during his final days.

A memorial service celebrating Herb's life and faith will be held at Emerald Heights in Redmond, WA on Monday, June 22nd at 1:00 p.m.

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