Cover photo for Vern McMahan's Obituary
Vern McMahan Profile Photo
1916 Vern 2010

Vern McMahan

March 6, 1916 — June 27, 2010

Vern C. McMahan, age 94, of Marshall, died at his home on Sunday, June 27, 2010. Vern was born on March 6, 1916 in Quincy to Glen P. and Blanche (Havens) McMahan. He spent his youth in Batavia Township in Branch County. When Vern was 12 years old his father passed away. Then his mother Blanche taught in Branch County schools while caring for Vern and his sister Verle. The family moved to Coldwater at the start of Vern's 7th grade year. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1934. While in high school an underclassmate caught Vern's eye (and he apparently hers)! Her name was Marie Green. The couple's high school romance flourished into mature love and their marriage on June 18, 1938 became a long and loving partnership. The couple settled in Coldwater after their marriage. Vern's first job after graduating was with the J.C. Penney Store in Coldwater. He soon left Penney's to work for Legg Lumber in Coldwater. This was the start of a working relationship with the Legg family that lasted over 50 years. In March of 1936 he moved to Marion, IN to work in Legg's lumber yard there. The company moved him back to Coldwater in 1938 In 1940 he and Marie moved to Albion to work at Legg's yard there. While in Albion their daughter Penny Sue was born. In 1943 Vern moved his young family back to Coldwater. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945, one of the last group of draftees from Branch County. He was sent to Fort McClellen Army Base in Aniston, AL. The war with Germany actually ended prior to his being drafted and Vern was honorably discharged after 8 months and 10 days of service. He returned to Coldwater. In 1947 he moved his family to Marshall and Vern has lived the rest of his life here. Vern continued his career with the Legg family until his retirement in 1984. At that time he was the President of Permabilt Manufactured Homes, Marshall Lumber and Trimbilt. Vern remained as a member of the Board of Directors for the company for many years. Vern was preceded in death by his wife Marie after 46 years of marriage on November 18, 1982. On February 12, 1983 he was married to Hazel Wilbur Rushford in Marshall. She preceded him in death on October 26, 1997. He was a lifetime member of the Coldwater Elks Lodge and a member of Marshall Country Club for over 50 years. Vern was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Marshall. As a young man he was a member of the Marshall Junior Chamber of Commerce. He served with the committee to raise money for bleacher seats for the Marshall High School Athletic Field. Vern was instrumental in encouraging Permabilt and Marshall Lumber to donate the Press Box. Vern was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying his Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft. He was an avid golfer. Vern enjoyed time with family and friends. He enjoyed morning coffee with his friends at the Stage Coach and meal's with friends at Winston's right up until his passing. He is survived by his daughter Penny (John) McMahan Boswinkle of Dunwoody, GA; his grandsons Richard G.(Nancy) Boswinkle of Dunwoody, GA and David S. Boswinkle of Acworth, GA; his great-grandsons John McMahan Boswinkle, Thomas Lennon Boswinkle and James Fitzgibbon Boswinkle all of Dunwoody, GA; his step-children Gregory L. (Diane) Rushford of Manahawkin, NJ, and Nancy J. (Douglas) Spooner of Holland; his step-grandchildren Brad D. (Traci) Spooner of Zeeland, Troy A. (Melissa) Spooner and Blake R. (Samantha) Spooner of Holland, Steven R. Rushford of Manahawkin, NJ, and Heather L. (Martin) Cruz of Ocean Gate, NJ; also numerous step-great-grandchildren; and his cousin and special friend Donna (Douglas) Boshear of Marshall. He was also preceded in death by his sister Verle Crane. Friends may call on Thursday 2PM to 8PM at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services where family will be present to greet friends and share memories 2PM-4PM and 7PM-9PM. Services celebrating Vern's life will be held on Friday, July 2, at 11AM at the funeral home with Rev. Karen Kelley officiating. Interment will follow in Oakridge Cemetery.Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to The Fountain Clinic. Assistance with memorials available at Kempf Funeral Home.
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