VERNON DALE THOMASON, age 88 of Rockford, TN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, TN. He was born on July 11, 1938, in Denver, CO and grew up in the Denver area. He attended business school at the Barnes School of Commerce in Denver and spent his career working as a shorthand reporter. He lived and worked in several places around the country, including working as a civilian employee at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. and at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, as well as working as a freelance court reporter in several states before ultimately settling down in Rockford, where he lived for more than 35 years. He met his beloved wife, Pauline, while living in Washington D.C. They were married on December 1, 1964, and shared almost 60 years together.

Vernon is survived by his daughters Beverly Thomason of Knoxville, TN and Karen (Gary) Goff of Mandan, ND; grandsons Austen and Isaac Goff of Mandan, ND; sister-in-law Jeannine Thomason of San Antonio, TX; brothers-in-law Lawrence (Barbara) Boyd of Rockford, TN and Alvin Boyd of Maryville, TN; sister-in-law Linda (Larry) Crum of Walland, TN; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Flora Pauline Thomason, parents Harold and Velma Thomason, and his brother Albert Thomason.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 24 at 12:00 p.m. The service will be held at Grandview Cemetery. 2304 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803. You may bring or deliver flowers to Smith Funeral and Cremation Service. 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.