Vernon VanNatta

Vernon VanNatta was born April 7, 1941 and died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013.

Vern was a very true and loyal veteran as he served in the U.S. Army. Always respected and enjoyed talking with other vets.

Vern's life touched many! From a True Hobo to a True Saint: He had stories about "Dirty Face" as he called the Freight Train. Vern touched literally thousands of lives during his eight-plus years as a dedicated crossing guard for Paxson Elementary School, keeping the children safe. He loved the children and they knew and loved Vern. One time when he was very sick in the hospital the children sent him so many cards there wasn't wall space for them all, one being 4 feet by 4 feet.

He had a special smile that touched those at Christian Life Center on Sundays, then Tuesdays at FLInt.Net, Fellow Laborers International Network of Churches, and Wednesdays at Wellsprings of Life Church. And especially at Grizzly Grocery, near his apartment, where he would still go and have a burrito and borrow the owner's personal hot sauce. Also those at River House that he enjoyed being with, even the staff and doctors that he fired over and over at times. And by his personal doctor, Dr. Quick and his staff. And the residents and staff at Hillside Health Care Center, along with Village Health Care Center and Evergreen Care Center. And by his many friends that loved to drive him around, especially Jason and Alan.

Those that knew Vern will never be able to watch a Denver Broncos football game and not think of Vern, Mr. Broncos himself.

Survived by his ex-wife Fern McGraham and son Meral VanNatta and his three grandchildren, Austen Jay, Alisha Marie and Alexander Martin.

There will be a joint service at Hillside Health Care Center on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. Thanks to Sunset Memorial for their services

Read Vernon VanNatta's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.