Vernon W. Hill, from Merrillville IN passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, one day after his 102nd birthday. He was a company clerk in the Civilian Conservation Corp which brought him to Valparaiso from the hills of SE Kentucky. He began sweeping floors in the machine shop at Gary Works until he was called to WW2. He served in the Navy on a destroyer escort bringing oil to the RAF between Brooklyn NY and Londonderry Ireland and in the pacific theater. He returned to Gary and used his GI bill to enter the machinist apprenticeship. He was a machinist first class for 43 years known as ‘Bill’ never missed a day and was never late.
He was married to Frances Boyd for 72 years and lovingly cared for her through her passing. The joy of his life was family including his wife, children, grands and great grands, his wife’s 6 siblings, and his nieces and nephews. He was an amazing man who helped build houses in Green Acres subdivision and the former Merrillville Christian Church. The world is a different place without him. He kept his mind all 102 years and offered love and laughs to everyone. He is survived by son Gary Hill of Pierceton IN and daughter Cyndi Hill Dowdy (Lance) of Trenton, OH. Grandchildren Jennifer Hill (Terry Heafey), Eric Hill, Joey Kerstanoff (Heather), Jake Dowdy (Erin) Melissa Dowdy, Kalen Dowdy (Abby)
Visitation Friday June 13th from 1:00-6:00 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso. Funeral Saturday June 14th at 11:00 am at the funeral home.
GUESTBOOK
Sending you love and our deepest condolences for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in all your happy memories of Vernon. He brought happiness to everyone he met with his cheerful smile. He will be missed. -Robin and Louise McCracken
I am saddened by Vernon’s passing, mainly due to the fact I’ll not see his smiling face over the fence. He is easily one of the finest neighbors a person could ever hope for. My wife and I were so fortunate to proudly say Vernon was our neighbor. His place now is in heaven with his beloved wife and I will continue to smile and laugh whenever I think of the many conversations we shared. You truly made your mark in this earth, my friend, definitely in my heart and soul. -Paul and Nikki McSorley
