1924
Vernon
2011
Vernon L. Birley
November 23, 1924 — January 25, 2011
Vernon L. "Bud" Birley, 86, of East Moline, died Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Trinity Pathway Hospice Bettendorf.
Private family services were held. Burial was at Rock Island Arsenal, National Cemetery. Military honors were conducted by Moline American Legion Post # 246. Memorials may be made to Trinity Pathway Hospice. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. assisted the family with arrangements.
Vernon was born on November 23, 1924 in Eleanor, Iowa to Lester and Gertrude Schurmann Birley. He married Christine Akins on April 11, 1953 in Savannah, Georgia.
At the age of 18, upon graduation from West High School, Waterloo, Iowa, Vernon was drafted and chose to serve in the US Marines. He was inducted on June 19, 1943 and sent to San Diego, California for basic training. His tour of duty was in New Caledonia, New Herbrides, Guadalcanal, Marshall Island, Guam, Iwo Jima, Hawaii and USA. Active duty was with the 3rd Marine Division, 12th Marines, battle of Guam and Iwo Jima. After discharge in 1945, Corporal Birley returned home and subsequently attended Northern Iowa University, Cedar Falls, Iowa. He graduated in August 1949 with a BA Degree in Business. On January 13, 1951, Vernon entered the Air Force and was discharged February 8, 1955 with rank of First Lieutenant. He owned Birley's retail store starting in Aledo, then moving to East Moline and finally Moline where he retired in 1996 after 40 years. He was also a member of Wildwood Baptist Church in East Moline.
Survivors
Wife Christine
Son Terry A. Birley
Daughter Pamela K. Birley
Son Richard V. Birley
Brothers Stuart M. Birley
Stanley M. Birley
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marjorie Fleiter. Online condolences may be expressed to Vernon's family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com.
Private family services were held. Burial was at Rock Island Arsenal, National Cemetery. Military honors were conducted by Moline American Legion Post # 246. Memorials may be made to Trinity Pathway Hospice. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. assisted the family with arrangements.
Vernon was born on November 23, 1924 in Eleanor, Iowa to Lester and Gertrude Schurmann Birley. He married Christine Akins on April 11, 1953 in Savannah, Georgia.
At the age of 18, upon graduation from West High School, Waterloo, Iowa, Vernon was drafted and chose to serve in the US Marines. He was inducted on June 19, 1943 and sent to San Diego, California for basic training. His tour of duty was in New Caledonia, New Herbrides, Guadalcanal, Marshall Island, Guam, Iwo Jima, Hawaii and USA. Active duty was with the 3rd Marine Division, 12th Marines, battle of Guam and Iwo Jima. After discharge in 1945, Corporal Birley returned home and subsequently attended Northern Iowa University, Cedar Falls, Iowa. He graduated in August 1949 with a BA Degree in Business. On January 13, 1951, Vernon entered the Air Force and was discharged February 8, 1955 with rank of First Lieutenant. He owned Birley's retail store starting in Aledo, then moving to East Moline and finally Moline where he retired in 1996 after 40 years. He was also a member of Wildwood Baptist Church in East Moline.
Survivors
Wife Christine
Son Terry A. Birley
Daughter Pamela K. Birley
Son Richard V. Birley
Brothers Stuart M. Birley
Stanley M. Birley
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marjorie Fleiter. Online condolences may be expressed to Vernon's family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com.
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