of Searcy, AR

February 23, 1933 - March 21, 2025

Vernon Lee Lorton, 92, of Searcy, Arkansas went to his heavenly home early Friday morning on March 21, 2025. He was born in Tallant, Oklahoma on February 23, 1933 to the late Rev. Orris Alton and Maggie Elizabeth Wadsworth Lorton.

Vernon was a preacher's kid and his family traveled and moved a lot. He spent some time in the White County area where his dad served the Floyd Assembly of God and Dripping Springs Assembly of God and where he met his wife, Ollie Mae Miller, while showing out on a bicycle. He was a very active member of Searcy First Assembly of God for over fifty years, in which he dedicated his life in many areas of work in church and at times he would go to the church when Ollie Mae would go just to see if there was anything that needed to be done and if not, he would just visit with those who were there.

Mr. Lorton served in the United States Army and served as a Dental Tech. He liked to talk about his time in Germany while serving in the Army and tried to speak some German occasionally. When he was discharged from the service, he married Ollie Mae and they moved up North. He went to work in the Steel Mill in East Chicago, Indiana. They moved back to Arkansas and he went to work at the Mohawk Rubber Company in West Helena and later moved back to Searcy and went to work for the Searcy Public Schools as a custodian where he retired. He loved the teachers and the students and would often say it was the best and most rewarding job he ever had.

He came up with a UFO SPY CLUB, which was a mail club for sharing articles and newspaper clippings of UFOs in 1974. In 1978 he got to attend an Orange Bowl Football game. He wore a 4-foot mirrored front aluminum helmet and while there they caught a picture of him in his helmet which was seen on national TV. He also aired on the original game show; The Price is Right with Bob Barker. He won the opportunity to play a game on stage and won a buffet table which he still owns. He loved to tell stories and repeat them and he loved to laugh. He loved antique automobiles and could tell you about anything from the old kerosene headlights to the hand crank to start one.

The most important thing to Vernon was he loved spending time with his family, especially his wife and sons. He loved going to church and he loved being with his church family. Anytime he could be with his family was very important to him even going to the quilting sessions at the church. He looked forward to family reunions, Sunday School, camping trips, traveling and visiting relatives and other friends especially when he had his lifelong partner at his side. Holidays were very special to him and his family because they were together.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years; his parents; a son, Phillip Dale Lorton and a sister, Freda Smith.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons, David (Lisa) Lorton and Mike Lorton; five grandchildren, Callie (Garett) Huffstutler, Josh (Brittany) Lorton, Kathryn (Nathan) Gosha, Matthew Lorton and Mason Lorton; two great grandsons, Lane Huffstutler & River Lorton; nephew, Larry (Sue) Smith and a host of other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Searcy First Assembly of God Church followed by a family entombment. All services are under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home.

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