Vernon Lee King

Vernon Lee King was born on April 14, 1944 to Allen and Fanny (Yutzy) King, dairy farmers in Hutchinson, Kansas. He learned the value of hard work at an early age, choring before the use of modern machinery. From a one-room-school in Haven and high school at Hesston Academy in Kansas, Vernon went on to Goshen College in Indiana where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. While working for Mennonite Central Committee in Cincinnati, Vernon met Shirley Sprunger, the love of his life. They were married in Covington, KY on June 13, 1969 and created a loving, supportive marriage - a true partnership.

In 1971 Vernon and Shirley moved to Atlanta where Vernon was a Voluntary Service unit leader and Shirley worked with music at the public library and a radio station. Their son Tillman was born there. They later served as country liaisons for Mennonite Central Committee in Haiti where son Ethan was born. After years of being supported by Shirley, Vernon followed Shirley to Newton, KS, where she began a 25 year career as Music Department Chair and organ instructor at Bethel College. Vernon searched for a job that would allow him to care for two young sons and decided to build a family home. After its completion, he started Suntree Construction and designed and built four more homes in Newton. At the request of family friends, and without electricity, Vernon built a guest house at the top of a mountain on Decatur Island, WA. Once a road was blazed, and with electricity, he led a crew of three in building the primary residence with an efficiency unknown to the island.

Vernon’s hands on experience with construction and leading people took a new shape when he shifted to managing properties and construction for Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. After this introduction to retirement communities, Vernon earned his nursing home administrator license, and led Mennonite Friendship Communities in South Hutchinson, KS where his father and elementary school teacher, Mrs. Haskert were residents. In 2003, Vernon and Shirley moved to Carlisle, PA where Vernon began a new role as CEO of Cross Keys Village in New Oxford, PA and Shirley was Dean of Academic Advising and organ instructor at Dickinson College.

In 2014, Vernon and Shirley retired in Goshen, IN. Shirley loved to cook and entertain and Vernon was fully supportive. He enjoyed good food, deep conversations, and laughing with anyone who didn’t take themselves too seriously. Making things better was how Vernon shared his love with others, bringing his time and talents as a designer and builder to Habitat for Humanity, La Casa, Camp Friedenswald, Community Home Repair Projects of Arizona, Eighth Street Mennonite Church, family, and friends.

Vernon supported Shirley without reservation and was enormously proud of their sons, daughters-in-law, and grandsons. Vernon had an open and inquisitive mind and a great sense of humor. He valued diversity and enjoyed challenging his existing beliefs. He loved traveling, adventures, cycling, construction projects, and reading. He tempered strong opinions with kindness and empathy. He corralled unruly children with bear hugs and exclamations of “too tight barber shop!”

On August 31, 2024 Shirley died from a heart attack and Vernon lost his partner of 55 years. In the months to follow, he worked to complete their shared goals. The last of these was taking grandson Mason to Washington DC by Amtrak to ensure all four grandsons have an appreciation of our shared democracy, history, culture, and art. His friends were many and his friendships long lasting - especially if you enjoyed a beer with him at GBCo or wine and cheese at his home.

On January 16, 2025 Vernon was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He elected to forego aggressive treatment preferring to make the most of each day with family and friends. He visited and found Sicily and southern Italy thoroughly delightful. Vernon enjoyed walking 3-5 miles a day, biking the Pumpkinvine Trail, and sharing many meals and coffees with family and friends. Surrounded by family, Vernon died at Greencroft Healthcare on November 2, 2025. Survivors include sons Tillman (Jennifer) and Ethan (Amy), grandsons Jackson, Drew, Miles, and Mason, and brothers Nick King (Ronda) and Ken King (Judy).

Visitations will be held at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home on Friday, November 21 from 4:00 - 6:00 and at Eighth Street Mennonite Church on Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 - 11:00. A Memorial Service will be held at Eighth Street Mennonite Church on Saturday, November 22 at 11:00, followed by a fellowship meal. Memorials may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.