Vernon Thomson Phipps, 89, of Mattoon, Illinois passed away Sunday, May 26, 2002 at Mattoon Health Care Center. A graveside funeral was held honoring his life at Dodge Grove Cemetery.

Vernon was born May 16, 1913 in Richland County Illinois son of Fred W. and Mary A. (Thomson) Phipps. He married his wife of 63 years, Zelda F. Crites, June 26, 1937 at Olney. She preceded him into Heaven, October 20, 2000.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Loy (Shelby) Runyen of Dundas; two grandchildren, Mrs. Bill (Debbie) Weiler of Claremont and Dewayne Runyen and wife, Pam of Olney; great-grandchildren, Erin and Derek Weiler both of Claremont.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Vernon was an Army Veteran of World War II. He retired from Clark Foundry. He was a member of First Christian Church of Mattoon.

Journal-Gazette (Mattoon, IL) – Tuesday, May 28, 2002