Marion Colton Vernon passed away March 3 at age 94. Born November 26, 1930 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, her family moved to Kansas City and then Topeka, Kansas, when Marion was 8.
Marion graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University. She met her husband of nearly 75 years on December 23, 1949. They were engaged on February 11, 1950, and were married later that spring on May 7.
The couple had three children: Dr. Mary Vernon, Dr. Matthew Vernon, and Ms. Susan Vernon; five grandchildren: Jessica Maher, Carl Scott Thomsen, Gwyneth Vernon, Ian Vernon, and Natalie Rios; and one great-grandchild, Astra Maher.
Marion lived life passionately. She enjoyed cooking, puzzles and card games, quilting, art collecting, reading, traveling, and being with her family. Travels included attending La Varenne Academy for Chefs in Paris, Thailand, China, South Africa, Mexico, much of Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
Marion gave back to her community as an active volunteer. She began as a member of the Junior League in Topeka. Later, she volunteered in the mental health movement with the Shawnee County Mental Health Association. She became the president of the Kansas Mental Health Association and then the president of the National Mental Health Association where she worked alongside former first lady Roselyn Carter championing the needs of the mentally ill. She worked as an unpaid lobbyist for this issue in Washington, DC, for sixteen years.
Marion and Atlee spent four years in Oklahoma City when Atlee was transferred there with the Fleming Companies. Marion and Atlee retired to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1988 where she continued her volunteer work as a member of GQ Chapter of P.E.O. beginning in 1995.
Beloved by her family, Marion is survived by her husband of nearly 75 years, Carl Atlee Vernon, Jr., her three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
