Vernon Harry “Spider” Warnecke, 84, of Lecanto, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness. He was born July 7, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Arthur and Caroline (Benson) Warnecke and came to Citrus County in 2000 from Arlington Heights, Illinois. He retired from the Mount Prospect Park district after retirement from his career as a cement mason in the construction industry. He was a member of the Cement Masons’ Local 502 for over 50 years.
Vernon was passionate about gardening and his fish! He liked to tinker, taking things apart and putting them together again. He was an adventurer who loved hosting parties, camping, board games and playing cards. His kids remember how as young parents Dad would drive the family to Disney World every year. He was a friend to all he met. A kind man with a calm demeanor and always smiling. Vernon was generous to everyone and would let loved ones know how much he cared for them.
In 1953 he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and served as an Army Tanker, with a year and four months overseas. Vernon earned the National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal-Germany. Vernon was Honorably discharged as a Private First Class.
Left to cherish his memory are children: Scott Vernon Warnecke, Jamie Sue Schaffer (John) of Phoenixville, PA and Tracy Lazette Sarallo (John) of Frisco, TX, and daughter in law, Patti Harkins of Kenosha, WI; his six grandchildren: Christopher, Patrick, Heather, Michelle, Matthew, and Dillon, and his nine great grandchildren.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory in Inverness at 11:00 AM. Friends may come to the funeral home beginning at 10:00 AM. Following the funeral home service, Vernon’s urn will be interred at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell where full military honors will be rendered by Inverness VFW Post #4377 Honor Guard. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory in Inverness.
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