Verner Edwin Pearson

Verner Edwin Pearson, of Knoxville, lost his battle with lung cancer at the age of 81 on Sunday, January 3, 2010. He was born in Chicago and graduated from Lindblom High School in 1946. Vern served overseas during the Korean War as an Army Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1956. He was a former member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL and Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Oak Lawn, IL. Vern was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN and was a leader for both the sanctuary and social hall expansion projects and participated in worship, building and property committee activities. Vern worked for Union Carbide for 30 years as a draftsman, inventor, and later as a production manager. He held positions in Chicago IL, Loudon TN, Puerto Rico, Centerville IA, and Kentland IN. Vern was active in scouting as a Scout Master and troop leader and is the proud father of three Eagle Scouts from Troop 596. Vern’s love for community involvement and light construction manifested into a regular volunteer position with the Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, which lasted for over 18 years. Vern’s hobbies included woodcarving, travelling and singing. He enjoyed singing with “The Aristocrats of Song”, “The Fred Waring Pennsylvanians” and various church choirs. His musical talents besides voice included piano, guitar, harmonica, and dulcimer. He was a member of the Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers. His carvings of Santa Claus’s, birds, portraits and flowers are a lasting testimony to his talent and creativity. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Vern is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Pearson (nee: Carlson); sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy and Ellen Pearson, of Oak Lawn, IL., Thomas and Ellen Pearson of Knoxville, TN and David and Eve Pearson of Marietta, GA; grandchildren, Eric, Matthew, and Sven Pearson of Oak Lawn, IL; Anders Pearson of Knoxville, TN, Dana, Kendall and Kristy Pearson of Marietta, GA; sisters and brother in law, Mildred and Glenn Jacobs of Summit, IL, Dorothy Tibbits of Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 6900 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.

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Verner Edwin Pearson

August 1, 1928 - January 3, 2010