Venard Lawrence Morehead

Vernard Lawrence “V.L.” Morehead died March 28 at his home after a tragic accident. Ironically, in many respects, he was a survivor, beginning from a hard scrabble childhood during the depression in Oklahoma, through being wounded in World War II on Okinawa Island (earning him a Purple Heart as an infantryman in the 77th Inf. Div. and 11th AB Div.) and in 40 years of service in a dangerous job as an operating engineer on the Pipelines. Born in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, in 1925, the son of Joseph Wesley Morehead and Effie Degetha Stewart. V.L. was predeceased by his wife, the former Wanda Hickerson. He is survived by his son Kevin Morehead (Carol Lea-Mord), brother, David Morehead (Sue), sister, Betty McFarland (Jack), sister-in-law, Kathleen “Pat” Brazel and brother-in-law Bruce Hickerson (Carylon), daughter-like neice, Toni Coberly, and numerous other neices and nephews. He was a quiet and humble man who enjoyed the music of country favorites like Dolly Parton and found some of his greatest moments of joy while tending to his property or working in his garden at his home in Cross Plains Tennessee. As a pipeliner he lived and worked in almost every state in the USA as well as over seas in Iran. In retirement, his home became his refuge and passion, its maintenance keeping him active well into his 80th decade. V.L.’s talents and interests were many and varied including woodcarving, photography and gardening. In retirement, he nurtured his naturally green thumb becoming a serious gardener with a bountiful harvest each year that was the envy of many. His yard was always immaculate with barely a blade of grass out of place. He took great joy in watching the birds and animals that shared his beautiful property with him and in later years, enjoyed the companionship of two faithful dogs, Benji, then Babe, to whom he gave a loving home in their time of need. V.L. was also an avid geneologist tracking down the family history of both his blood relations as well as his wife’s family. V.L. was a member of Hoenwald Masonic Lodge number 607 for over 50 years and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rites and shriner member of the Almenah Temple in Nashville. He was also an active member of Cross Plains Church of Christ. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 5:00 – 7:00pm at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House, Tennessee. Brief remarks will be made at 6:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a cause close to his heart, The World War II Memorial PO Box 305 Calverton, New York 11933. Arrangements in the care of Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 533 Hwy 76, White House, Tennessee 615.672.5000

Venard Lawrence Morehead

October 23, 1925 - March 28, 2013