Vernon Wardel Gunning

Vernon Wardell Gunning, 92, went home to be with the Lord on November 29, 2021 from his home in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He was born in Spokane, Wa on October 6, 1929 to Lloyd and Erma Gunning. Vernon lived in Spokane, Wa and graduated from West Valley High in 1948, then joined the Air National Guard for 4 years. Vernon married Patricia Brennan in 1951-1977. They had 4 children. He was very involved in the Scout program with his boys and with Horses with all 3 children. For work he was a milkman for Early Dawn Dairy. After that he went to work selling cars for Barton Oldsmobile. He always had a passion for buying and selling cars and so in 1955 he opened his own car lot, Spokane Auto Sales where he worked until he sold it in the late 60’s. After that, he spent a short time in partnership with his brother Ted Gunning, Gunning Builders until the early 70’s before retiring. In 1981, Vern married Doris Clanton until she passed away in 2007. They spent their time Motorhoming across the US in search of warmth and beauty, and their summers in the home on Priest Lake, Idaho. In 2008, Vern married Wanda Kurt and they lived in Kellogg, Idaho in the summers and in Yuma, Arizona for the winters until they moved to Hayden in 2013 while still wintering in Yuma. Vern was a wonderful man and a good loving father, never at a loss for a friend. He loved his family, church life and church fellowship from all the churches he attended. The Christian and Christian/Gospel music warmed and soothed his heart. He enjoyed bible studies and church socials and spending time with friends. Vern was preceded in death by his wife Doris A, son Robert V Gunning, sister Nancy Jensen and his parents Lloyd and Erma Gunning. Vern is survived by his wife Wanda J at their home in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; his 3 children: son Darrell (Diane) M Gunning of Spokane Valley, Wa, daughter Jeanne (Jim) L Hayes of Wasilla, Alaska, and son Randal P Gunning of St. Petersburg, Florida; his brother Theodore (Diane) Gunning of Spokane, Washington; along with 2 step children, 8 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren and 4 step great grandchildren. The family would like to thank all the caretakers that took such wonderful, compassionate care of Vern. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of North Idaho: 2240 W. Prairie Ave. Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83815, or to the charity of donors choice. Bell Tower Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Please visit www.belltowerfuneralhome.com to visit his online memorial.