Vernon Thomas Crumley passed away on August 5th at the age of 79. He was born April 30, 1933 in Austin, Texas, the son of Norman O. and Eitra A. Wallace Crumley.
The Crumley and Wallace names are known throughout Texas as two of the first families to settle in the state. Vernon grew up in South Austin on West Mary Street where his parents owned and operated Crumley Grocery and Variety Store.
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Lydia Michelle Crumley.
Vernon graduated from Austin High School and served in the United States Air Force. During the Korean War he served on the 38th parallel that divided North and South Korea. In 1959 he joined the Austin Police Department and in 1970 he was promoted to Sergeant. Vernon loved the people and missed being on the streets so he asked to be reinstated to the streets. The last 15 years of service he spent in Fugitive Warrants and in 1994 retired with 35 years of service. Vernon was known for treating everyone with respect and dignity. He received numerous awards for outstanding achievement in the line of duty.
Vernon is survived by his wife of 42 years, Eda Crumley. He is also survived by a sister, Luella, and her husband Gene Galbraith; a niece, Kara, her husband Stewart and daughter, Lucy Mcgregor; a nephew, Scott Galbraith and wife Heather; and another nephew, Todd, his wife Kathleen, son Benjamin, and daughter Ingrid. There are numerous cousins.
It is said "if you have five real friends in your lifetime, you are a rich man." Vernon was indeed a very wealthy man and is leaving behind many friends who will miss his wonderful wit and "horse trading" abilities. He was a "man of his word" and a handshake was his bond.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue. Funeral Service 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at The PromiseLand Church, 1504 E. 51st Street. Bishop Kenneth Phillips and Pastor Randy Phillips will be officiating. Interment will follow at the family cemetery on Bee Caves Road, corner of Highway 620 and Highway 71.
Serving as pallbearers will be John Henry, Robert McKalip, Aaron Lee, Jim Kent, Harold Weizer, and Larry Lacey. Honorary pallbearers will be Donis Austin, Jim Potts and Sonny Foster.
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