Paulis “Vern” Fought, age 90 left us peacefully on September 23rd, 2021. His final words gave his family some peace as they were “Thank you, I can rest comfortably now”.
Vern was born on March 31, 1931, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas to Earl & Minnie Fought. At a young age, Vern’s family moved to Exeter, California where he graduated from Exeter High School in 1949. Vern was drafted into the Army and was stationed in France during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Dixie Fought on January 19th, 1952
Vern was a dedicated husband, father of 6, grandfather of 19, great grandfather of 37 and just became a great, great grandfather this year. He is survived by his children, son Larry & wife Linda from Morganfield, Kentucky along with 5 children and 6 grandchildren, daughter, Nancy Veteto and husband Mark from Visalia, CA along with 2 children, 6 grandchildren and one great grandchild, daughter Denise Palmer and husband Bill from Visalia, CA, 3 children and 2 grandchildren, son Scott from Exeter, CA, two children and 4 grandchildren, daughter Melissa Glick from Visalia, CA, children, 7 grandchildren and daughter Lori Blue and husband Vahnn from Lindsay, CA 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 2 on the way. Vern has one surviving sister Mary Lee Lawler from Montana.
Vern and Dixie had been married 2 weeks short of their 61st wedding anniversary in which he was very proud of and shared with everyone. Dixie passed on January 2nd, 2013. His family finds peace knowing they are together once again.
The kids remember his first job being a Knudsen “milkman” and later in the 1960’s purchased a Chevron gas station in Lindsay. He later opened Wind Machine Sales & Service and was known as “the Wind Machine man”. Vern was a member of the Exeter Church of Christ and rarely missed a Sunday. He loved his church family. He was also known for his restoration of old tractors and was a member of the South Valley Farm Antiques Branch 209 E.D.G.E.T.A.
Vern loved spending time with his family, hunting with his friends, traveling, RVing with wife and family, and reading.
A casual celebration of life will be held from 11:00 – 1:00 on Saturday, October 2nd at the home of Darcee & Eric Collier 19735 Ave 232, Lindsay, CA. Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Online Condolences may be sent to smithfamilychapel.com
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