Mr. Verne Luther Middleton

Mr. Verne Luther Middleton, age 89, of Scottsboro, Alabama and formerly of Alton, Illinois, passed away on Friday July 20, 2018 at Highlands Health and Rehabilitation Center. Verne entered into heaven’s joys confident in the blessed assurance of his Savior’s redeeming love. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday July 25, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Steven Screws and Rev. Gary Speers officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Illinois. Verne was born in Danville, Illinois on April 8, 1929 and married his sweetheart Rita (Nee Rawlins) after his return from military service on October 7, 1955. His children Scott (Paula) Middleton of Missouri, Lori Ann (Jack) Tellor of Illinois, and Amy Lynn (Michael) Williams of Ohio greatly mourn his absence. Verne’s fond grandchildren Claire, Erin (Brad), Katie (Mikey), Matthew (Lauren), Ben, Brendan, and Brynn; two step grandchildren Jason (Nicole) Tellor and Janna (Luke) Chesnut; eight great grandchildren; a nephew, Mark (Paula); nieces, Cheri (Larry) and Marcia (Richard); several cousins and their families also grieve. Also part of “The Greatest Generation,” Verne followed his two older brothers’ footsteps into military service at the conclusion of WWII by immediately enlisting in the 82nd Airborne Division upon graduation from Danville High School. He faithfully served his nation while assisting the people of occupied Japan in Sendai, the capitol of Miyagi Prefecture through that nation’s post-war reconstruction. Fearless in adherence to duty, Sergeant Middleton never failed to confront higher ranked officers where situations warranted. Verne’s earliest career was as a boatman upon the Illinois and Mississippi River barges, but he soon found a job as line mechanic for Olin Corporation in East Alton. Olin assigned Verne to its NASA contract work curriculum for applied hydraulic and lubricant engineering studies at Northeast Alabama State Community College in Rainsville, Alabama. No Memorial Day passed without Verne’s patriotic presence. He was known to “out push up” marine officers 20 years his junior while proudly wearing his Airborne paratrooper boots. Verne was a passionate volunteer for U.S. Veterans and would transport his “brothers” to required medical appointments. He volunteered for local hospice. He became Alabama’s, “Veteran of the Year” in 2017. Verne always made time for young people to encourage physical fitness and sportsmanship. He was a super fan sports booster for the Roxanna IL Shells as, “the Shell Man” and in later years cheer leading the Scottsboro Wildcats’ Cross Country and Track teams as, “Mr. Verne.” Verne served his Lord as a devout Christian, an active layman, and Bible scholar and teacher. The Methodist Churches of Scottsboro will miss his ministry, as will the Christian Motorcycle Association, many local friends around the long breakfast table at Scottsboro’s Liberty Restaurant, and all citizens who support the U.S. Constitution. Verne was a dedicated voter. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years; his parents,LaVerne and Lillian (Davis) Middleton; and his older brothers, Martin Everette and Glenn Robert.

Mr. Verne Luther Middleton

April 8, 1929 - July 20, 2018