Vernon L. Rockers

Vernon L. Rockers, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Lowell General Hospital, with his loving family by his side.  For 64 years, he was the beloved husband of the late Barbara E. (Killion) Rockers prior to her passing in December 2017.

Born in Greeley, KS on August 30, 1933, he was the son of the late Charles and Clara (Engemann) Rockers.  Following his graduation from Baldwin High School, Vernon went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy as a Navy Fireman, Damage Controlman, 2nd Class, serving on USS Daly DD519 and the USS Power DD839.

Vernon joined the Lowell Fire Department as a reserve Firefighter in March 1960, and went on to become a permanent Lowell Firefighter in April of 1962.  He was then promoted several times, finally promoting to Captain in 1980.  Vernon became Captain of the Rescue Company, receiving an accreditation in June of 1984 for the team’s rescue of a group of youths that became stranded on the Concord River.  In 1988 Captain Rockers became part of the first group of firefighters to form District VI of the Massachusetts Hazardous Material Response Team.  Vernon became the Training Captain for the department towards the end of his career creating training videos “Learn with Vern” that were still used for many years after his retirement.  Captain Rockers retired in January of 1992 after 32 years of service.

Vernon was strict and by the book when it came to work, but when it came to his family; he was all about having fun.  His whole life was dedicated to spending time and making memories, from playing football in the street with his siblings on Christmas Day, to dragging the toboggan up the hills of Shedd Park over and over.  Vernon felt blessed to be able to continue this with his grandchildren, attending games, recitals and competitions. 

Surviving Vernon are his children, James Rockers and his wife Sara Hayes of New Market, NH, Karen Carignan and her husband Donald of Tyngsboro, Kathaleen Rockers and Richard Merluzzo of Lowell, and Pattie Rockers of Lowell; his grandchildren, Dimitri, Jaxson, Calliope and Zealand all of New Market, NH, Christopher Carignan and his wife Callie of Crestview, FL, Jennifer “Jenny Penny” Bilharz and her husband Jeff of Salem, NH, Mathew Rockers of Florence, Arizona; his great-grandchildren Violet (Miss Violet) Bilharz and Ozzy Carignan; his siblings, Raymond Rockers of California, Glenn Rockers and his companion Loretta Gantenbein of Baldwin, Kansas, Gloria Beach of Lawrence, Kansas; his siblings-in-law James Killion and his wife Marcia of Florida and Glenda Jo Rockers of Kansas, as well as many dear nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Clara Rockers; his brothers, Leon Rockers, and his wife, Mary Lou Rockers; his brother Daryl Rockers; a sister-in-law, Joanne Rockers; and a brother-in-law, Darryl Bell.

He also leaves his beloved dogs Butch and Brandy along with his very good friend Dana Jarry of Hudson, NH

Graveside inurnment with military honors will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Baldwin City, KS. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.lamb-roberts.com.

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