Calvin T. "Bud" Vernon, 85, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023 due to a recent stroke, with family at his side. In true Bud Vernon fashion, he quietly slipped into another lane without a turn signal to let anyone know what he was doing.

Bud was born December 25, 1937, in Burbank, CA, the son of Calvin and Juanita Vernon. He graduated from Emporia High school in 1955, and served in the United States Airforce as a radar operator 1956 to 1960.

Bud met Ginger while stationed in Belton, Missouri at her mom's local diner, and married her on May 28, 1960, the day after he was discharged. They made their home in Emporia, Kansas for years, while Bud created a successful trucking company, Emporia Motor Freight in 1968 and later, Kansas Motor Freight in 1989. Bud and Ginger enjoyed their vacation homes in Florida and the Lake of the Ozarks and travelled throughout the United States in their motorcoaches. Let's not confuse travel with being a tourist. He was a truck driver at heart with no time for sightseeing. It was always about the destination and running on time, to enjoy the view and recreation when he arrived.

Recreation is something Bud knew about! In his young adult years, he was drag racing on the weekends, and riding dirt bikes and 4-wheelers with his buddies and trying to make ends meet. As the truck line grew and his budget allowed, he had a passion for big boy toys – luxury coaches, fast cars, motorcycles, performance boats, flying airplanes and helicopters. His favorite color was chrome! He enjoyed a water view and warm weather whenever he had a chance. He was a daredevil at heart and often cheated the odds, pulling others along to enjoy the ride. He often said "If you aren't living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!"

Bud's success was built with his "can do" attitude to serve his customers and treat his employees well, and they in turn gave him their support and best effort. He worked hard and played hard and laughed a lot. He had friends wherever he went and was a good ole boy that welcomed a challenge, a risk, a story, or an interaction with the authorities... Bud was generous with family and friends beyond measure, and believed in second chances for those who needed one. He quietly helped many in a time of need or to find a path to their best life. In Bud's words, "What a life! I thank God every day for what he's helped me accomplish." He dearly loved his wife, daughter and granddaughters who experienced all of those attributes and antics. His great grandchildren will hear his stories and learn about his "can do" spirit.

Bud is survived by his wife Ginger of Leawood, Kansas; daughter Jennifer Coffelt and husband Corey Coffelt of Shawnee, Kansas; granddaughter Corbyn Heidt and husband Neal Heidt and great granddaughter, Mabel of Centennial, Colorado; granddaughter Camryn Coffelt of Shawnee, Kansas; and his two sisters, Marsha Zeiner of Emporia, Kansas and Sue Bloomer of Wichita, Kansas. Bud is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Dick Vernon.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm with Remarks at 2:30pm. Granada Theatre, 807 Commercial St., Emporia, KS 66801

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the following:

Emporia Community Foundation / 79 Fund – to improve Emporia, KS and the surrounding area with emphasis on the children of Emporia.

527 Commercial St, Emporia, KS 66801

Donate to 79 Fund | Emporia Community Foundation ( emporiacf.org )

Veterans Community Project - KC – providing housing and critical support services for Veteransexperiencing homelessness.

8900 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131

https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org/

A private remembrance was attended by immediate family.

Condolences, personal stories and photos can be shared online at www.CremationCenterKC.com or mailed directly to Ginger Vernon and Jennifer Coffelt:5708 Cottonwood St., Shawnee, KS 66216