JANUARY 23, 1939 – APRIL 26, 2024
Vern Ledford, 85, of Marysville passed away peacefully with family by his side April 26, 2024.
Vern was born to Alan and Louise Ledford (Sheldon) at the family home on the Tulalip Indian Reservation January 23, 1939. Vern had four siblings Bobby, Allen, Dean and Bernita. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1957 and lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation Vern served in the United States Army. He returned to Marysville and opened a barber shop on 3rd Street where he developed numerous friendships in the community. He later had a career with the Snohomish County PUD as a heavy equipment operator.
Vern was married to the love of his life Lavern for 60 years. They had four children together: Tami Burdett and Steve, Shawn and Rose Ledford, Tonya and Jay Nelson, and Lance and Anne Ledford. He had six grandchildren: Taylor and John Williams, Courtney Burdett; Kaiden Ledford, Mason Ledford; Coby Nelson, Shane Nelson; and Elizabeth Anderson. Three great grandchildren: Graham, Lottie, and Lachlan Williams.
Vern was active in the community throughout his life. He was a member of the Everett Yacht Club, Marysville Rotary, Marysville Jaycees, Moose lodge. He served on the Indian Education Committee for the Marysville School District, served on the Tulalip Tribes Gaming Commission, and the Boom City Board. Vern played softball into his sixties, stayed busy developing and maintaining properties and sold fireworks for over 40 years. Over the years, Vern enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their cabin in Darrington, house in Eastern Washington and vacationing in Makaha Hawaii. He enjoyed attending Marysville Pilchuck Tomahawk football, basketball, and baseball games throughout his life. Vern was one of the proud Tribal Elders who supported Marysville Pilchuck keeping the Tomahawk name.
Vern was a supportive husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed.
His funeral will be held on Monday, May 6th at 10 AM at the Tulalip Tribes Gathering Hall, located at 7512 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip. All are Welcome.