Vernon Albert Cullers

Vernon Albert Cullers, formerly of Cozad, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 21, 2021 in Sun City, Arizona at the age of 83. Vernon was born July 21, 1937 in Whitney, Nebraska to Cecil & Leta (Gobel) Cullers, the second of 3 sons. He attended school in Whitney until he went to Chadron Prep High School. Vernon graduated with the class of 1955 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 27, 1956. He was part of Company D 1st Tank Battalion 1st Marine Division. He was stationed at MCRD San Diego, Camp Pendleton and Lake Mead. He received an honorable discharge April 12, 1958 and was part of the Active Reserve 9th Marine Corps Reserve and Recruitment District until February 26, 1962.

Vernon was united in marriage on October 13, 1957 to Lois Marthena Birdsall. Their union was blessed with three children, Julie, David and Audra. The marriage ended in 1980.

On August 22, 1981, Vernon married Laraine J (White) Laird. He welcomed stepson Todd Laird and stepdaughter Ramona Laird. They were married until Laraine's passing in December 2008.

In July 2009 while attending his high school class reunion, Vernon was reacquainted with former classmate Linda K (Neeland) Brotherson. Their friendship quickly blossomed, and they began dating. On March 7, 2010 they were married in Manhattan, Kansas. He was fortunate to add, once again, to his family with her sons Marty and Monte. Vern and Linda lived in Manhattan, Kansas for a short time until they made the decision to leave their Lake House and move permanently to the Phoenix area.

As a child, Vernon and his brothers were raised to value hard work. He participated in 4-H and sports. As a teenager he enjoyed going to Hot Springs, South Dakota to swim at Evans Plunge and to Mount Rushmore. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. As his children grew, he enjoyed taking them snowmobiling and spent many weekends camping with family and friends. He enjoyed taking trips on his Gold Wing motorcycle. Vernon was employed for almost 30 years as a USDA Meat Inspector. As an Inspector it allowed the family to live in Nebraska, Rochester and Buffalo, New York, and back to Iowa and Nebraska. His final assignment before retirement was at Kansas State Science Lab. He was a member of the Cozad Volunteer Fire Department and served as First Aid Chief for the EMS Squad. After moving to Manhattan, he became a faithful fan of Kansas State Wildcat sports. Vern and Laraine had a great group of friends and enjoyed tailgating with them. Vernon loved the outdoors and never passed up a chance to take you on a road trip to see something new. He had an infectious smile, a great sense of humor and a love for adventure.

Vernon leaves behind son David (Kelli) Cullers and daughter Julie (Kris) Fingerhut, both of Cozad, daughter Audra (Kevin) Williams of Lexington. Stepsons Todd (Pam) Laird of Manhattan, Kansas, Marty (Katie) Brotherson of Phoenix, Arizona, Monte Brotherson of Oklahoma. Grandchildren Broc Carpenter of Lexington, Brooke (Thomas) Twyford of Cozad, Jason Williams of Cozad, Kayla (Corey) Urban of Cozad, Julia (Kole) Harrach of Lincoln, Nicholas (Amberlyn) Cullers and Chandler Cullers, both of Cozad. Step grandchildren Ty Mosier of Manhattan, Kansas, Desirae Laird of Douglas, Wyoming, Shelby Laird of Fremont, Nebraska, Colt Brotherson of Phoenix, Arizona and 12 Great Grandchildren. Brothers Richard (Marian) Cullers of Mesa, Arizona, Kenneth (Helen) Cullers of Ord, Nebraska, many nieces, and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents Cecil & Leta Cullers, wife Laraine Cullers, wife Linda Cullers and stepdaughter Ramona Laird. He will be greatly missed. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Cozad Christian Church with Pastor Mike Moore officiating. A private family burial will be at Cozad Cemetery.