Vernon George Yanney, 88, passed away on January 29th, 2016, after being in declining health for many years. Vernon was born on July 6, 1927, to Elias K. Yanney and Mary H. (Abraham) Yanney in Kearney, Nebraska.
He graduated from Kearney High School in 1945. Vernon was a life-long drummer, and as young man was a member of the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. They won state competition to represent Nebraska in national competition in New York City. Vernon won national awards as a drummer.
He was drafted into military service shortly after graduating from high school. Vernon served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater from 1945-1946, serving as a teletype operator for most of that time.
Upon returning from his military service, Vernon enrolled in what was then Kearney State Teacher’s College, and obtained his B.A degree in Education in 1950, and later his Master’s Degree in 1958. He completed his Specialist Degree in Educational Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in 1965.
Vernon married Lena K. Jacob on October 19, 1952 at St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney.
Vernon worked for Safeway Stores in Kearney from 1950-1953. He and Lena then moved to Aurora, Nebraska where he worked for Metropolitan Insurance Company for one year. He then obtained a teaching position in Red Cloud, Nebraska, and they lived there for the next two years. Their daughter, Brenda, was born in Red Cloud, shortly before they moved to North Platte.
Vernon came to North Platte as a High School teacher, and later guidance counselor. He taught History and Driver’s Education from 1956-1962. He was appointed principal of the “new” Madison Junior High in 1962, and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1989. Their son, Wayne, was born during Vernon’s first year at Madison. Vernon also taught night classes at North Platte Junior College when it was in its infancy.
Vernon was active in many church, civic, and professional organizations throughout his life. He was a Past President of Nebraska Schoolmasters’ Club, Past President of North Platte Area Retired Teachers Association, and served on the Alumni Board of Directors of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He was proud member of the Buffalo Bill Kiwanis Club, and received the Kiwanian of the Year Award for 1990-1991.
Vernon was a member of the First United Methodist Church of North Platte. Prior to moving to North Platte, he was a member of St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney, which was founded by his grandfather, Nicola Yanney.
One of the highlights of his career was when former Mayor Jim Kirkman and the City Council declared April 29th, 1988 as V. G. Y Day in recognition of his serving as Madison’s first and only principal for 25 years. Vernon received numerous awards from education associations throughout his career.
Vernon’s favorite hobby was gardening, and another significant highlight in his life was being recognized as having the Yard of the Week in August of 1990. After his retirement, he was very active with the Lincoln County Historical Society and Museum.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Martha Abraham and husband, George, Madeline Shada and husband Eli, Margaret Shada and husband Mike, and Minnette Steinbrink, along with brother Harvey Yanney, and brother E.K. Yanney and wife, Shirley.
He is survived by his wife, Lena, son Wayne of North Platte, daughter Brenda of Blue Springs, MO, sister, Milly Shada of Omaha, brother, Michael Yanney of Omaha, brother-in-law Paul Steinbrink of Kearney, sister-in-law Shirley Jacob of Casper, WY, several nieces and nephews and their families, and many cherished friends.
Visitation will be at Carpenter Funeral Home Thursday, February 4th, 8:30 am-8:00 p.m., with family present from 3-5 p.m. Graveside service will be at Kearney Cemetery, Kearney, Nebraska on Friday, February 5th at 2:30 p.m. Memorial Service on Saturday, February 6th at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in North Platte.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First United Methodist Church in North Platte, Lincoln County Historical Museum, St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney, or Yanney Heritage Park in Kearney.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.