Vernon Everett Dearden

Vernon E Dearden was born December 2, 1929, in Martinez, California.  He spent a lot of his childhood hunting and fishing in the San Francisco Bay close to his house with his older brothers.  He often talked of hunting along the railroad track close to the bay and running into homeless camps as he grew up during America’s Great Depression.  As he entered high school, he enjoyed playing football and basketball.  He graduated from Alhambra High School in 1947 and 3 years later married 17 year old Mary Davis.  He   would be married for 71 years before Mary passed away 3 years ago.  —- Shortly after marriage Vern got a job at Union Oil Company Refinery as an operator, which he kept for 37 years until he retired at 58.  

Along the way he raised 3 boys, David, Doug, and Brad, passing on to them the things he loved: hunting, fishing, sports, and eventually his love of Jesus.  At the age of 34, his life made a dramatic turn as he gave his life to Jesus Christ.  He spent the rest of his life serving in a number of churches as well as sharing his faith with others.   

In his 40’s my dad took up running and golf.  He enjoyed running in the hills surrounding his home in Martinez, sometimes putting in as many as 40 miles per week.  After running became difficult he walked daily, even walking 2 miles per day, into his late eighties.  As a retired person he enjoyed golfing 3 times a week at the Oroville Golf Club.  There he met numerous friends.  He enjoyed playing golf with friends and the love of his life Mary.  When Mary developed cancer, he spent many years caring for her, making sure that she was taking the appropriate medications and helping around the house.  Together they made an excellent team, each using their strengths to benefit the other!   

Vernon is survived by son Doug, six grandchildren (Elizabeth, Alexandra, and Rachel Dearden, Matthew, Timothy and Luke Dearden) and eight grandchildren.  In his final years in assisted living, he continued to tell others about his faith and had a positive outlook on life until his passing to heaven on August 30, 2024, at the age of 94.  

A short burial service will be held on Friday, September 13 @ 10am at the Wyandotte Cemetery in Oroville, California. 

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.