Vernon L. 'Red' Rood

Vernon L. 'Red' Rood, 89 of Sidney, passed away at the SRMC Extended Care, Monday afternoon, Nov. 30, 2015.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 7, in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Leonard Suhr officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Friday, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Vernon's name to the Camp Look Out, Boot Hill Committee and SRMC Hospice.

You may view Red's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service LLC is in charge of Mr. Rood's care and funeral services.

Vernon Loren the son of Leo Rood Sr. and Elma Bice was born on July 12, 1926 at Hill City, Kan. The family lived in the Sutherland and Lexington areas in his early years. After finishing his 8th grade school year, he rode his bicycle from Sutherland to join his family in Sidney. Shortly thereafter he managed one of the Standard Oil service stations. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp at Denver on Sept. 15, 1944. Private 1st class Rood completed his basic training at Camp Pendleton in California. He trained at both Parris Island, S.C. and Camp Lejeune, N.C. He served in the Pacific Area from March 13, 1945 to Aug. 10, 1946. He engaged in the occupation of Japan on Sept. 22, 1945 thru July 1946. He served as a machine gun crewman & truck driver. Vernon was honorably discharged on Aug. 26, 1946. Vernon was united in marriage to Lillian Henzl on May 2, 1947. Five children were born to this union. Through the years Red worked at Tri State Supply, Coop, and retired from the maintenance department in the Sidney Public School system. Because of the love of working with people, Red returned to the workforce at Cabela's in his 7th decade of life. He also enjoyed numerous hobbies including family time and making Skiaki, Husker football, fishing and camping, playing pitch and participating in Alzheimer's and Cancer Walks. 

Survivors include his wife Lillian of 68 years, children Teresa (Rick) Ewert of Mesa, Ariz., Loren (Geri) Rood of Sidney, Allen Dean (Tess) Rood of Sidney, Darcy (Daryll) Hays of Crawford, Robb (Connie) Rood of Sidney, 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and extended family members.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clarence (Bus) Rood of Scottsbluff, Leo Rood Jr of College Place Wash .; sister Colleen Brauer of Gurley and grandson Anthony Rood.