Vern Widner

Vern "Park" Widner, 96, of Shelbyville died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006, at Ashford Place Health Campus. Born Nov. 15, 1909, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Hartley Benton and Mary (Long) Widner. He married Jeanette F. Jardine on July 19, 1933, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 11, 2003. Survivors include one son, Lawrence Widner of Mesa, Ariz.; one daughter, Brenda (husband, Harry) Meeke of Shelbyville; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by three sisters, Marjorie Kostecki, Margaret Corbley and Martha Cherrie; and one brother, Claude Widner. Mr. Widner had been employed with Texaco Oil Refinery in Lockport, Ill., from 1927 until retiring in 1972. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Lockport. He also was a musician and played in a dance band during the Depression. Mr. Widner enjoyed fishing. Friends may gather from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday at Freeman Family Funeral Homes, Carmony-Ewing Harrison Street Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. Memorial services will be at 5 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bill Horner officiating. Interment will be in Woodland Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.