Vernon Lee Derstler (80) left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on May 18, 2022. Vernon was born on April 3, 1942, in Henrietta, Missouri. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1960 and lived in Richmond until he moved to Blue Springs for the last 33 years of his life.
Vernon married the love of his life Peggy (Oyler) on August 5, 1967, who survives him. He is also survived by son Brian Derstler (Bobbi) of Richmond, daughter JoEllen Compton (Ronnie) of Grandbury, Texas, Jennifer Price of Overland Park, Kansas, Stephanie Nielsen (Brad) of Shawnee, Kansas, and Deborah Brock (Aaron) of Lexington, Missouri. He had 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Luther and Ruth (Gilbow) Derstler, sister Shirley Hartman, and brother Kenneth Derstler.
In life, Vernon was a Jack of all Trades; working at the Richmond School District, selling insurance, hauling propane, and fixing cars. He retired in 1997, after working 25 years at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri. He loved fixing and maintaining his kids’ cars while they were growing up, and always made sure they were spic and span.
In the 70s, Vernon tore it up at I-70 Speedway on Saturday nights to the delight of his kids, but the despair of Peggy, and drove on other tracks in mid-Missouri. He built and maintained all his race cars. He was an avid guitar player, and had a band with several “mates” in Richmond. His most endearing quality was his ability to “carry on” with anyone. If you only had a few minutes, it was best not to engage him in any conversation—you’d miss whatever appointment you had to make. His daughters’ husbands made that mistake only once!
Arrangements are being made at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri (www.royerfuneralhome.com). A Celebration of Life is planned for June 18th, 2022, at Peggy and Vernon’s house from 1:00PM to 2:00PM for immediate family and from 2:00PM to 4:00PM for friends and neighbors. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Dale Jr. Foundation (www.thedalejrfoundation.org).
Obituary submitted by family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
Tom & Sharon
20 May 2022R.I.P Vernon, lots of fond memories. May God bless Peggy Ruth and Family during these sad times.
Joel Hartman
21 May 2022Vernon will be missed. He lived his life large.
Vaughn Ray
27 May 2022Peggy,
So sorry for your loss.
Vaughn Ray Bradley
Duane Shortell
27 May 2022There is not enough space here to share all the good times that I had with Vernon.
God Bless Peggy and the girls.
Rest In Peace A. J.
Anita Mautino
16 Jun 2022So sorry to hear of Vernon’s passing. Vernon was a good man. My prayers are with Peggy and family.
Anita Mautino