Vernon Eugene Plemons

Vernon Eugene “Gene” Plemons, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather went to be with his Lord on Monday, April 3, 2017. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 6, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Dr. Jerry Smith and Dr. Joe Bailey officiating. Interment will follow at Rosemound Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, at the funeral home. Gene was born in Crawford, Texas, to Vernon Wood and Mary Muriel “Jackie” Brown Plemons on January 9, 1926. He graduated from Crawford High School in 1943. On November 19, 1943, at age 17, Gene joined the United State Navy to serve in WWII, joining his father and brothers in serving his country. He was part of the northern Japanese invasionary force and was en route to Japan when the atomic bombs were dropped ending the war. He was honorably discharged on April 20, 1946. He married Betty Jo Cole on July 5, 1947. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage, raising four children, attending practically every sporting event that their children and grandchildren participated in, and traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Gene was very proud of having visited all 50 states. He faithfully served as a deacon of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, enjoying many mission trips with the senior ministry. At the time of his death, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Clifton. Gene worked many years for the United State Postal Service, serving in post offices throughout Waco, Bellmead, and retiring as Postmaster of the Clifton Post Office. Gene lived a life of service to others. In addition to serving as a deacon in his church, he was also a 32nd Degree Mason receiving his 50 year pin in 2014 and a member of the Clifton Lions Club, where he enjoyed participating in the pancake suppers and food drives. Gene was a joy to be around. He always had a smile on his face, a friendly greeting for everyone and a wonderful sense of humor. He would gladly give you the shirt off his back and always had his pockets full of candy and his freezer full of ice cream for the kids. Gene started playing golf after his retirement. He never achieved great success at the game but loved playing with his friends and family. Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Betty; his parents; brothers, Jim and his wife, Winifred, and Jo and his wife, Flo; and an infant brother. Survivors include his sons, Bob Plemons and wife, Jo, of Hubbard, and Tom Plemons and wife, Kim, of Houston; daughters, Karen Campbell of Waco, and Jan Woosley and husband, Jeff, of Clifton; ten grandchildren, Steve Plemons and wife, Angie, Mike Plemons and wife, Sarah, Chris Plemons and wife, Leeza, Jeremy Plemons, Michael and wife, Jamie, Russel Campbell, Dustin Campbell and wife, Jenn, Josh Woosley, Jordan Woosley, and Jacob Woosley; thirteen great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Fonceale Cole; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Pallbearers will be his nine grandsons. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.