Vernon Gene Loree, 74, of Tucson, AZ was called by his Heavenly Father on December 27, 2023. He was
born on March 12, 1949 in Lebanon, Oregon.
He is survived by his wife, Elva Celis Loree; son, Vernon C Loree Jr,; daughters, Diana Rivera and Josephine Braun; along with sons- in- law, Marty Rivera and Andrew Braun. He will be sorely missed by his
8 grandchildren, Dianna, Gavin, Ivan, Christian, Nevaeh, Tatiana, Alonzo and Sophia. He’s also survived by
his sister, Arlene Turner.
He is preceded in death by his brother Arnold Ruiz; mother, Mary P Loree; and father, William G Loree.
Vernon graduated from Tucson High in 1968 where he became Arizona State Champion Swimmer.
After high school, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War and also swam on
the US Marines Swimming Team. While in Vietnam, he was part of the elite group, The Walking Dead.
Upon his US Marine Corp obligation, he returned to Tucson where he would meet Elva who he was
married to for 52 years. He worked for the Duval Mines for 12 years while also serving in the Air National
Guard.
After having the 3 kids, he decided to enlist in the US Army where he would take the family on a
journey all over the world including Colorado, Germany, Georgia and New York. He served 2 tours in
Korea as well. He would eventually retire in 1999.
He worked 10 years at Brinks Company and served as a Technician. Vernon had a wonderful, dynamic presence and touched so many people. He was the life of the party and enjoyed making people laugh while telling jokes, he was unabashedly himself. He enjoyed working on cars. He would help many friends, family, and neighbors whoever was in need. He was the ultimate family man who enjoyed having big family get-togethers and enjoyed his trips to Mexico visiting Elva’s family. He and Elva would love to host family and friends from all over including Germany, Mexico, and Georgia and taking them on vacation trips to California or Las Vegas.
Vernon leaves an incredible legacy of family, love, adventure, and laughter. We will mourn his amazing
presence……for he was a child of God. We know he’s watching down upon us from Heaven seeing his
grandchildren thrive continuing his legacy for generations to come.
Friends and family may visit from 9:00 am until service time at 10:00 am on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Marana Mortuary, 12146 W Barnett Rd, Marana, AZ 85653.
Vernon will be laid to rest with military honors at 12:00 pm, Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 15950 N. Luckett Rd, Marana, AZ 85653.
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Post an EventOur sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.