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Vernon Milton Belliston
03/28/1918 — 08/01/2013
From Richland, WA | Born in Nephi, Utah
Vernon Milton Belliston
Vernon Milton Belliston passed away Thursday, August 1, at his home with his family at his side, one day after his 73rd wedding anniversary. His 95 years were filled with love and friendship to all who came within his sphere. His wife and children were his greatest joy and received his unquestioned loyalty and affection. His home was warm and welcoming, filled with love and acceptance. Vern was born March 28, 1918, in Nephi, Utah, to Tryphena Mary Howell and Lester Bardsley Belliston, the sixth of nine children. He graduated from Juab High School in Nephi in 1936 . He played basketball and tennis in school. He loved music and played saxophone and trombone in the school orchestra and other dance bands. He was self-taught on many other instruments. He enjoyed participating in church and community musical productions giving flair and character to early Richland life. He lifted the spirits of many with his musical abilities. He sang for many years in a men's double quartet and was often asked to sing and play his guitar. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a missionary in New Zealand. After his mission he married the love of his life, Leora Topham, on July 31, 1940, in the Manti Utah Temple. He served faithfully in the Richland Stake of the Church, and served a mission with his wife in the Alabama Birmingham Mission. Vern had an abiding testimony and love of his Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel. He worked at the Remington Arms Plant in Salt Lake City, Utah, until it closed and was then recruited to work on the Manhattan Project at Hanford, Washington. He lived in the barracks at Hanford while Leora and baby Erlynn lived in Walla Walla, Sunnyside and Prosser until homes were built in Richland. Vern was first hired as a fireman at Hanford and then as a power operator. He retired as a chlorinator specialist in 1981. He is survived by his devoted wife, Leora, and his children: Erlynn Lofthouse Merrill, West Jordan, UT; Linda Boehning Dick, Richland, WA; Joan Eyre Larry, David Belliston Keiko, West Richland, WA; Debra Hatch Clay, West Valley City, UT; and Brian Belliston Danielle, Pasco, WA; brother Garth Belliston Beulah, St. George, UT; also survived by 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, several step grandchildren/ great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, 7 siblings, and an infant granddaughter Lacey Belliston. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 6, 11:00 a.m., LDS Stake Center, Thayer Drive, Richland Washington. A viewing will be held Monday, August 5, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Einans Funeral Home, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland, Washington, and again at the church prior to the funeral service, 9:30-10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the LDS Missionary Fund.
I loved Grpa Belliston’s sense of humor and his love to those around him. He was friendly whenever you saw him. He will be dearly missed.
We send our love and sympathy to your wonderful family. He was such a righteous man and a good example to all of us.
Dear Aunt Leora and family, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of uncle Vern. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the many happy memories you all shared be shared again and bless you with peace and comfort. The Heavenly Choir has gained another beautiful voice. Love to you all.
Dear Erlynn: I remember visiting with some of your family here at church and we got to chatting. I believe it was your folks and sister that knew my cousins in the Richland area – Jerry and Dixie Partridge. We had a good visit there in the parking lot. Talked of the good people in our lives and the gospel…the good it brings in others’ lives. Please give your family a hug for me. My thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
Love, Karen
Aunt Leora and family; I’m sorry for your loss and share in your grief. I truly love all of you and will especially miss Uncle Vern. He was the only uncle that I can say scared me when I was little; always wearing his white shirts. I believed he was a Dr. and I didn’t want any part of that, but he always had a way of teasing and making me feel loved. He was a great man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Belliston, while I never had the pleasure I can say that you must have been a great Dad and a wonderful man to have raised the family you and the Mrs. did. I am so happy to Know Linda and Dick and am proud to have them as my friends.
Vern was the most down-to-earth Grandfather-in-law one could ever ask for. Vern at every occasion where I was ever present was always positive, always was in a happy mood, loved his family and most of all always expressed how much he loved his wife Leora—saying things like, “isn’t she beautiful.” As time goes by and I get older I hope I may emulate more of the qualities that he possessed. I truly miss him.
–Adrian
To my Father in law of 30 years who always treated me like one of his own daughters. Thank you for being such a good example to my 5 children and showing them so much love. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I love you and will miss you so much.
Deena Belliston Lewis
Linda … He sounds like he was a great father. He is lucky also to have children that loved him so much.
To my wonderful Grandpa:
I will miss you very much. You were always such a great example to me. You were such a caring, loving and righteous man who I was proud to call my Grandpa. I will cherish all the memories we had together like when you let us grand kids comb your hair and give you different funny hairstyles, you eating soggy bread with jam, your wonderful musical talents and how you would always entertain us with your humorous personality. I love you grandpa!
Love your grand daughter,
Lindsay Fuller
Linda, it would have been so great to have known your dad. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
I loved Grpa Belliston’s sense of humor and his love to those around him. He was friendly whenever you saw him. He will be dearly missed.
We send our love and sympathy to your wonderful family. He was such a righteous man and a good example to all of us.
Dear Aunt Leora and family, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of uncle Vern. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the many happy memories you all shared be shared again and bless you with peace and comfort. The Heavenly Choir has gained another beautiful voice. Love to you all.
Dear Erlynn: I remember visiting with some of your family here at church and we got to chatting. I believe it was your folks and sister that knew my cousins in the Richland area – Jerry and Dixie Partridge. We had a good visit there in the parking lot. Talked of the good people in our lives and the gospel…the good it brings in others’ lives. Please give your family a hug for me. My thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
Love, Karen
Aunt Leora and family; I’m sorry for your loss and share in your grief. I truly love all of you and will especially miss Uncle Vern. He was the only uncle that I can say scared me when I was little; always wearing his white shirts. I believed he was a Dr. and I didn’t want any part of that, but he always had a way of teasing and making me feel loved. He was a great man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Belliston, while I never had the pleasure I can say that you must have been a great Dad and a wonderful man to have raised the family you and the Mrs. did. I am so happy to Know Linda and Dick and am proud to have them as my friends.
Vern was the most down-to-earth Grandfather-in-law one could ever ask for. Vern at every occasion where I was ever present was always positive, always was in a happy mood, loved his family and most of all always expressed how much he loved his wife Leora—saying things like, “isn’t she beautiful.” As time goes by and I get older I hope I may emulate more of the qualities that he possessed. I truly miss him.
–Adrian
To my Father in law of 30 years who always treated me like one of his own daughters. Thank you for being such a good example to my 5 children and showing them so much love. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I love you and will miss you so much.
Deena Belliston Lewis
Linda … He sounds like he was a great father. He is lucky also to have children that loved him so much.
To my wonderful Grandpa:
I will miss you very much. You were always such a great example to me. You were such a caring, loving and righteous man who I was proud to call my Grandpa. I will cherish all the memories we had together like when you let us grand kids comb your hair and give you different funny hairstyles, you eating soggy bread with jam, your wonderful musical talents and how you would always entertain us with your humorous personality. I love you grandpa!
Love your grand daughter,
Lindsay Fuller
Linda, it would have been so great to have known your dad. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Guestbook for
Vernon Milton Belliston