Verne was born in Dorrance, Kansas, on September 22, 1909. He was the eldest of 10 children born to Floyd and Ida (Ruby) Willson.

He was a graduate of Bunker Hill High School and Hutchinson Business College. After business college he worked at the Bunker Hill Bank until it closed.

He married Eunice Vivian Sellens on November 9, 1930. They farmed and he worked in the oil fields during the depression years. He moved the family to Russell in December 1941, but continued to farm until he retired. In addition to farming he worked various jobs in the oil industry, was Russell County Clerk and owned Texaco service stations in Russell.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Floyd and Ida Willson, six brothers, Dean and LeRoy who died in infancy, Edward, Emery, Lawrence, and Duane.

He is survived by his wife, Eunice and three children, Keith, Donna Walters, and Kent; six grandchildren; one brother, Don; and two sisters, Ida May Willson and Ruth Phillips.

Verne was baptized at the Dorrance Methodist Church and a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Services will be held at the Russell Trinity United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m., April 17, followed by graveside services at the Russell City Cemetery.