Vernon Tharp High

Vernon Tharp High, age 70, of Carbondale, KS, passed away June 20, 2019, at his home. He was born July 19, 1948 in Admire, KS, the son of Charley High and Emily (Tharp) High. Vernon graduated from Overbrook High School with the class of 1966. During his military service he also attained several degrees. In August of 1967 Vernon entered the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for the next twenty years attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Vernon served during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Oversees Service Short Tour ribbon, Air Force Oversees Long Tour Medal, Air Force Longevity Service ribbon with four bronze oak leaf clusters, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was later assigned to the 524th Aircraft maintenance Unit, 27th Aircraft Generation Squadron 27th Tactical Fighter Wing in Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico where his outstanding professional skill and exemplary leadership were considered incalculable contributions to the success of the F-111D programmed flying training program. Upon retirement from the military Vernon moved with his family back to Kansas living sin Scranton, KS until this past year when they moved to Carbondale, KS. For five years Vernon worked for the Kansas Turnpike Authority and then for ten and a half years he worked in maintenance for Valley View Village apartments in Carbondale, KS. Vernon was a true American Patriot. His pride in his country was evident every day of his life. When he was relaxing he enjoyed fishing especially at Pomona Lake. He spent many hours working on cars. He especially loved to work on a car with his family. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. He carried a Kansas City Chiefs flag all over the world with him during his military days also saying that you should look out for them this next year. He will be well remembered by his friends and family for his Red Silverado pick-up driving down the road blaring Johnny Cash music as he drove by. On October 25, 1968 Vernon was united in marriage to Arlene Arnold in Portales, NM. This past October they celebrated their fiftieth year of loving devotion to one another. Vernon is survived by his wife, Arlene High, Carbondale, KS; son, Rodney Vernon High and his wife, Julia, Topeka, KS; granddaughter, Krystal Bowser and her husband, Brian, Topeka, KS; four grandsons, Dylan, Tyler, Travis, and Ryan High all of Topeka, KS; two brothers, Charles High, Prescott, AZ, Donnie High, Topeka, KS; four sisters, Katie Gillum, Kate Fair, MO, Nita Crable, Eldorado Springs, MO, Bertha Hurt, Denver, Co, Earline Snook, Topeka, KS; and four great grandchildren. Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, three sons, Randy High, Dennis High, Douglas High, and two sisters Jerri Viles, Jesse Jennings.. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday June 25, 2019 at Carbondale Church of Christian Fellowship. Vernon will lie in-state Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, Overbrook from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday June 24, 2019. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 268, Overbrook, Kansas 66524. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Vernon Tharp High please visit our Sympathy Store.

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