Vernon Gordon Vanderford, 84, of Houston, TX, was born June 2, 1934 in Sealy, TX to Leroy and Edna Elsie Gommert Vanderford. He passed away August 20, 2018 at his home in Houston, TX.

Vernon was a graduate of Texas City High School where he played football and basketball. After high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He went on to graduate from San Jacinto College as well as the University of Houston..

He celebrated 63 years of marriage to the love of his life, Marguerite Joyce Vasek. Together they raised their two children Tina and Martin. He was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church. Following an exciting career as a programmer in the rising computer industry, he retired from Control Data Corporation. He loved being on the farm, in their garden and watching the Astros. He was a doting husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and was the #1 fan of all his grandchildren's sports and activities.

Vernon never met a stranger and he loved to talk and joke with those he met. He was kind hearted to a fault and was a champion napper. His favorite quotes were: "I will arise and go to Jesus" and "He will embrace me with his arms".

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Inez Vanderford; brothers Curtiss Lee Vanderford and Lonnie Vanderford.

Vernon is survived by his wife Marguerite Joyce Vanderford; children Tina Morris and husband Kevin and Martin Vanderford; grandchildren Tiffany Vanderford and partner Brad Bell, Anthony "AJ" and wife Isa Morris, Megan and husband Cole Petty, Bradley and wife Lindsey Morris and Lauren Morris; great grandchildren Raylan Petty, Jack Morris and Cooper Petty; sister Christine Armstrong, Sisters-in-law Lisa Vanderford and Darlene Vanderford; numerous nieces, nephews and many beloved friends.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff, nurses, and doctors at the Methodist Hospital Alkek 8 unit who loved and cared for him during his short battle. Words cannot express our love and gratitude to the amazing Dr. Manual Reyes and his nurse Vickie Rodriguez for protecting, caring for and making us all feel safe when he was in their care.

A time of visitation will be Friday, August 24, 2018 from 10 AM to 12 Noon at Peace Lutheran Church, 6435 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon, with Pastor Rodwell Thom officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow at 2PM in Sterling-White Cemetery, 11011 Crosby Lynchburg Rd, Highlands, TX 77562 .

Serving as pallbearers will be A.J. Morris, Bradley Morris, Leo Arnic, Kevin Morris, Cole Petty and Brad Bell. Honorary pallbearers are Tiffany Vanderford, Megan Petty, Lauren Morris, Lindsey Morris, Isa Morris, Raylan Petty, Jack Morris and Cooper Petty.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Peace Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice.

Messages of condolence may be written to the Vanderford family at www.garmanycarden.com

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.