Vernon Dale Spridgen (1957-2017)

Vernon Dale Spridgen, 59 of Vacaville California, died July 4, 2017 after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).  He was born on December 6, 1957 in Hampton, Virginia, the son of Donald R. and Patricia M. (Nipper) Spridgen. Vernon is survived by his wife Joan (Gast) Spridgen; daughters Danielle (Matt) Berger of Dixon, California and Angela R. Spridgen of Vacaville, California; one granddaughter, Emily Berger; three brothers, Michael (Stacia) Spridgen, Roger (Holly) Spridgen, Edward (Deanna) Spridgen; five sisters, Laura Malizzi, Gloria (Jim) Buono, Karen (Frank) Nordmeyer, Barbara (Paul) Stangler, Theresa (Randy) Pennington; one aunt, Maxine (William) Kinniburgh; a few cousins and over 100 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law, Daniel Malizzi, and a niece, Patricia Benavente.

Vernon spent his childhood traveling with his family under orders from the Army. He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1975 and in December of the same year enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After four years on active duty Vernon transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He married Joan Gast on August 8, 1981. In November of 1982 Vernon returned to active duty and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base, retiring April 30, 1998.  In 1990 he started his own business, M&D Carpets.

Vernon loved his family, sports, and ice cream. He will be remembered as the life of the party, quick with come backs and being the crazy, fun uncle, brother, dad and husband. Vernon collected memorabilia from his favorite sports teams, wore unique, spirited outfits and was known to be fashionably late. He was an active and dedicated member of The Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served as an usher.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Paralyzed Veterans of America, North Bay Hospice, UCSF ALS clinic, VA ALS Clinic, At Home Health Care, and friends and family that have been their support the last few months.

Visitation will be Monday, July 10, 2017, from 5:00-8:00 pm, with family present, at Vaca Hills Chapel, 524 Elmira Rd, Vacaville CA.  Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1791 Marshall Rd, Vacaville, CA with Father Vincent O'Reilly officiating.  Burial will be at 2:30 pm at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, CA, with reception to follow at St Joseph Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Knights of Columbus Council 16255, The ALS Association and or the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vacaville.

Funeral arrangements by Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home www.vacahillschapel.com 707-446-3233