Obituary of LaVerne E. DeForest

LaVerne Edward DeForest (Vern), 82, of Sidney, NY passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 17, 2018 in Sidney, NY Vern was born in Frankfort, NY to Edmund DeForest and Rose Smith on May 3rd 1936. He went to high school at Sidney Central School. His first job was working in Van Cott's lumber yard in Sidney. He later worked for the Town of Unadilla Highway Department, John Haynes of Binghamton New York, Agway of Afton and finally worked for over 35 years at Mirabito's in Sidney. He had a passion for bicycles, trucks, motorcycles, and automobiles which started from a young age and carried on up until his passing. Vern would no sooner purchase one vehicle before he was eyeing another. He could often be seen in Keith Clark Park riding his old bike with one of his good friends. During the Vietnam War he was stationed in Germany, where he served in the United States Army from 1959-1961. There he drove a supply truck which truly fueled his desire to become a truck driver. He had trucking in his blood and to this day has a working CB base station next to his recliner and maintained his CDL license. Vern enjoyed sharing his "gift of gab", having weekly coffee with his closest friends and enjoying daily senior meals at the Civic Center talking about the good old days. He very much loved his two grandsons and great grandson. His smiles and laughter were never greater than when he was with them. Vern was known for doing anything he could for someone who was in need and this is the legacy he passed on to each of his sons. He was loved immensely and will always be carried in our hearts. Vern is survived by his wife Patricia, sons Edward (Ann Marie), Dan, and Andy, grandsons Stephen and Christopher (Stephanie), and great-grandson Evan, and many extended family and friends including his dearest friend and Army buddy, Dean LaQuay of Beacon Falls, CT. He is preceded in death by his mother Rose, father Edmund, and sisters Shirley and Betty. A funeral service will be held at C. H. Landers Funeral Home, 21 Main Street, Sidney, NY on June 29, 2018 at 2:00pm. Burial will immediately follow in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Unadilla, NY. Share condolences with the family online at www.landersfh.com. C. H. Landers Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.