Vern Clarkson

Vern Shaw Clarkson passed away peacefully October 28, 2017. Vern was born in Wendell, Idaho on February 20, 1936 to Ernest Vevers Clarkson and Alice LaRaine Shaw Clarkson. He grew up in Jerome and graduated from Jerome High School in 1954. On May 2, 1952 he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Lou Paskett. Later that year they were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 21, 1952.

Following his attendance at BYU in Provo, Utah, he lived in Logan, Utah and worked at Thiokol on the Minuteman Missile as a chemist. He moved back to Jerome, Idaho in 1968 and worked long term as a chemist at the Amalgamated Sugar factory. He farmed the family farm 25 years until 1992 when he moved to Wilmar, Minnesota to be the chief chemist at Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Factory. When he retired, he returned to Kimberly, Idaho in 2000 where he spent his final years.

Vern was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many different positions including Branch President and Bishopric, High Council. He also served as the prison chaplain while he lived in Minnesota.

Vern and Sharon had eight children. They spent many happy summer days at Alturas Lake. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying water skiing, camping, hunting and fishing with his family.

He was preceded in death by his sister; both of his parents; his wife; one son; one son-in-law; and one granddaughter.

Vern is survived by seven of his children, Dirk and Becky Clarkson; Shari Kim Hulen; Joel and Christine Clarkson; Patrick Clarkson; Wendy and Andy Byrd; Matthew and Tamara Clarkson; and Christopher and Jennifer Clarkson; as well as 25 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank to the staff of Ashley Manor and Encompass Home Health and Hospice for the care they provided to Vern. We appreciate their concern and kindness.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 100 S 50 E, Jerome, with viewing beginning at 10:00 am. Graveside service will conclude at Jerome Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Vern's memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.