Vernon Merl Fueston, Jr.

Vernon Merl Fueston, Jr., (LCDR, US Navy, Retired), 89, of 100 Manor Road, Edenton, NC, died Friday, January 2, 2015 in his home. Mr. Fueston was born in Chicago, IL on February 16, 1925, son of Vernon M., Sr. and Bernice Grace Robison Fueston, and brother of Beverly Fueston Mette. Enlisting in the Navy at the age of 17, he later qualified for Officer Candidate School, was commissioned, and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander after serving for 29 years. A veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, he served on the USS Forrestal, and received many medals and decorations throughout his career. After service, he earned his Master's Degree in Industrial Arts and taught exceptional children at Union-Kempsville School in Virginia Beach, VA. He was a member and past branch president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Edenton. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jacquelyn Sellers Fueston, who died on January 2, 1999, and by a son, James Matthew Fueston. Surviving are his wife, Deb Stokley Fueston; and two sons, Vernon Merl Fueston, III and wife Barbara of Edenton and John Scott Fueston and wife Kathleen of Salt Lake City, UT. Also surviving is Deb's daughter, Ashley Dillehay and husband Zane of New Orleans, LA. Together Vernon and Deb shared six grandsons, Adam Richard Fueston, Ryan Benjamin Fueston and wife Jennifer, Darren Christopher Fueston and wife Cassie, David Pratt Fueston and wife Salina, Bryce Lloyd Fueston, and Kyle Joseph Fueston; and six great-grandchildren, Noah, Cameron, Ariel, Lilly, Skylor, and Caleb. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 716 Poplar Neck Road, Edenton. Burial with military honors will follow in Beaver Hill Cemetery. Friends may join the family Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to any chapter of the American Heart Association, (www.heart.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.