Duane R. Vernon

The Vernon family is sad to announce that Duane Vernon passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.

Duane was born September 3, 1931, in Ithaca, Michigan, the only child of Wesley and Leah (Smith) Vernon. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, and first wife Virginia (Graff) Vernon in 1975. Duane is survived by his wife Judy (Kiplinger) Vernon, son Rick, his wife Marie and their sons Doug and Dean (and his wife Alyssa), daughter Nancy Olenski, and her children Erica, Ryan (and his wife Kelly), Brooke, and Matt, and daughter Mary Jo Paquette (and her daughter Sydney), stepdaughter, JoAnn (Fox) Klein, her husband Tom and their daughters Kathryn Stempky (and her husband Brad), Sarah Crandall (and her husband Logan), and Emily Klein, stepdaughter Mary Jane Fox, and stepdaughter Amy Fox, along with numerous great-grandchildren.

Duane graduated from Ithaca High School in 1949. While there, he was the Editor of the school newspaper, a proud member of the men’s cross-country team, which earned the first State Championship in Ithaca High School history, was its first tennis letter winner, and was selected to represent the school at Boys State.

Upon graduation from Michigan State in 1953, Duane married Virginia, and they spent the next three years in Fort Lee, Virginia, where Duane fulfilled his ROTC obligation, and became the Fort Lee Army base Athletic Director and Tennis coach, all while earning the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Duane then embarked on a business career that included stints with Michigan Retailers Association, and General Motors. Deciding that his heart was in Lansing, he began to work at the Lansing Credit Bureau in 1959, where he and father-in-law Walter Graff built the business from a handful of associates to nearly 80 until they sold it in 1983. Duane was the President/General Manager when it was sold, and he stayed with the credit bureau after the sale for another 30 years in various sales capacities.

Duane greatly enjoyed supporting his children’s life endeavors, acting as chief cheerleader and “believer,” always being there for them. Duane found love again in 1986, when he married Judy, his wife of 37 years.

Duane was well known however, for his love of the Lansing community and Michigan State University, where his variety of MSU athletic support earned him the nickname “Mr. MSU.”

Among the various groups Duane supported in the Lansing metro area were: Past President of the Lansing Jaycees, Past President of Lansing Rotary, Past President of the MSU Alumni Club of Mid-Michigan, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Easter Seal Society of Mid-Michigan, Past President of Downtown Coaches Club, State Journal/Lansing Sexton Honor Roll Track Meet, MSU Women’s Sports Booster Club, Past President of the Greater Lansing Bull-Pen Club, E.A.T. Club, Rebounders Club, MSU Blue-Line Club, Boy Scouts, Duffy Daugherty Memorial Award founding board member, Lansing Volunteer Bureau, Past “Chief” of Box 23 Club, Camp Highfields, Lansing Area Safety Council, Capital Area United Way, emcee of the Early Bird Forum for several years, co-founder of the Ithaca High School-Lansing Sexton High School student exchange program, Past President of the Waverly Community Schools’ Sideliners Athletic Booster Club, emcee of Breslin Center “Tip-Off Café” for MSU men’s basketball games, and Chairperson of “Parade of Champions” parades in 1979 and 2000 to honor MSU men’s basketball national championship teams, and was Grand Marshall of the annual Pentwater summer Homecoming Parade.

Some of the recognition Duane was bestowed with for his community involvement were: receiving the Spartan Hero Award from the MSU Mid-Michigan Alumni Club, being named to Sport’s Illustrated’s “America’s Sports Fans Hall of Fame,” granted honorary membership to the MSU Varsity “S” Club, receiving the prestigious “Biggie Munn Award,” being elected to the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame, receiving the Edward R. Vandervoort Memorial Award from the Downtown Coaches Club, receiving the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity Distinguished Alumni Award, being named a Rotary International “Paul Harris Fellow,” selected as the Lansing Jaycees “Young Man of the Year” in 1963, received the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen’s Award, received the “FEP Emerald Award” from the MSU women’s swimming team, received the Sparrow Health System’s Founders Award, and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce “Community Service Award.”

Activities of which he was most proud were raising his three children as a widower and supporting their ventures, being instrumental in naming MSU’s ice arena “Munn Arena,” earning the Eagle Scout award at 14 years of age, founding the Michigan Parades into the 21st Century, being a member of the Sparrow Health System Board of Directors, founding and co-chairing the Coaches and Athletes for Kids program to build a separate Pediatric Emergency Room at Sparrow Hospital, achieving 57 consecutive years of perfect attendance at the Lansing Rotary Club, being a season ticket holder for MSU football and basketball games since the 1950s, and co-host of “Fans in the Stands” and “Spartan Tailgate Party” pre-game radio shows for MSU men’s basketball and football games for 20+ years.

The funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing. His family will receive relatives and friends from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

A link to the livestream of the service can be found here: Livestream

The Vernon family is asking folks who would like to contribute in lieu of flowers to donate to Highfields, a facility dedicated to wayward teens, 5123 Old Plank Road, Onondaga, MI  49264. Please note on your donation that it is in memory of Duane Vernon.

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29 Messages to “Duane R. Vernon

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Tammy Melser
June 1, 2023 at 6:42 pm

Duane was not only Mr MSU, he was the best FREE advertisement for our business for many years! He was a loyal customer and friend of our family for over 50 years. He will be missed immensely in the community. My thoughts and prayers to Judy and the family. Rest in peace, Duane.

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Jerry and Karen Schaner
June 1, 2023 at 8:23 pm

So sorry for your loss.

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Tim Malatinsky
June 2, 2023 at 7:34 am

Very sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. We were actually just talking about him at dinner this passed Tuesday. He will be truly be missed and meant so much to everyone that crossed paths with him. There will not be another one like him. Will keep Duane and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

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Mark Nixon
June 2, 2023 at 7:38 am

Duane was the best of men. He leaves us with a trove of great memories and lessons in kindness and caring.

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Tom Spiegel
June 2, 2023 at 8:40 am

Quite the individual was Duane. Always helpful, good listener. Socially, compassionately, business-wise, Duane had no peer.

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Martha Bernath
June 2, 2023 at 2:50 pm

I am so sorry for your loss. Duane was one of the sweetest donors I ever worked with at the Spartan Fund. He will be missed.

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Harriett Dean
June 2, 2023 at 3:38 pm

There was no one like Duane. I don’t think I ever heard him say anything even remotely bad about anyone. To know him was to love him! He was a great man who did so much in the Lansing and Michigan State communities. He will be missed. Go Green, Duane! You will never be forgotten.

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Shannon Homola
June 2, 2023 at 3:45 pm

I may have been just someone that worked at a restaurant (Champps) Duane used to frequent, but he brought such joy when he came in. I am sorry to hear of such a wonderful person’s passing. Also, he was always known for giving people a $2 bill. I have nothing but fond memories of my interactions with him, he really made an impact on those around him.

Mr. MSU, Go Green!

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Chris & Larry Conroy
June 2, 2023 at 8:40 pm

The joy of Pentwater Homecoming was enjoyed by so many thanks to Duane and Judy’s generosity. May you rest in peace and may the grace of our Lord bring you home.

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Renee Cloutier
June 2, 2023 at 10:43 pm

Judy I’m so sorry to hear this. When I started working at Sparrow in 2011, Duane faithfully stopped by our offices with MSU posters and kind words. I loved talking to him and loved hearing him on the radio prior to Spartan games!! He was truly one of a kind!!!

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Jodi Smith Hoag
June 3, 2023 at 10:04 am

Mr. Vernon was always the biggest fan for the Waverly Swim Team! He came to every meet dressed from head to toe in black and gold. He had such a warm and loving soul, always encouraging the kids. He will be missed and forever a light for Waverly and MSU. RIP, Mr. Vernon.

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John/Pat Greenslit
June 3, 2023 at 11:27 am

Vernon Family,
Duane was the epidemy of Community Service, a stranger was simply a friend he had not met yet! His bio clearly showed his ability to share and care, as his talent to make revenue for various causes shown brightly, we cherish his memory more to his “making a difference.”

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Jennifer Parks ("JP"), Former Women's Swim Coach, '73-'88
June 3, 2023 at 6:05 pm

Duane was a most dedicated Dad; he traveled to away swim meets, even in freezing Wisconsin. He walked up and down the deck with me at the Brown Deer Pool, cheering on not only his daughter, but everyone on the team. Rest in peace, and Go Green, Duane.

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Sandy Roys
June 3, 2023 at 8:42 pm

Judy
This is so sad to hear but what a wonderful life
We loved our visits at the Hart Eagles with you and of course the MSU partied. Cherish the memories and hug Joann for us. Go Green
Bert & Sandy

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Robin Ebling
June 4, 2023 at 10:11 am

Duane was very special to so many people, including our family. Always a great Spartan, but so much more! We will remember our times with him in Pentwater, in Florida (after a fabulous bus trip), his presence at graduations, seeing him at Reno’s and Sparrow and, always, sharing ice cream and laughter! Rest in peace, Duane. You’re with many other great Spartans now. We will miss you! Our prayers and thoughts are with Judy and the rest of your family.

Our love, Go Green!
The Eblings (Jack, Robin, Zach, and Ali)

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Sandy Schikorra
June 4, 2023 at 3:37 pm

As a longtime admirer and friend of Duane’s I will always remember the phrase he coined whenever the Spartan basketball team played in the NCAA tourney on St Patrick’s Day. He called it “St Spartan’s Day”! What a beautiful man he was.
.

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Cindy Watters
June 5, 2023 at 10:10 am

Duane was one of a kind and extremely special to many people, including the Delta-Waverly Rotary Club and Sparrow Foundation. We loved having him visit our Rotary Club, which he did often because he lived in Delta Township. He also stopped by the Sparrow Foundation many times and supported our children at Sparrow.

Rest in peace, Duane. You’ve done great work in our community, and we all thank you!

Our prayers and thoughts are with Judy and the rest of your family.

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Colleen Mattison & Roger Peltier
June 5, 2023 at 12:44 pm

Dinners are Coral Gables won’t be the same without Duane’s laughter & cheerful greetings. He will be missed. Hugs & prayers go out to Judy and Duane’s family.

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Pam Ogle
June 5, 2023 at 6:22 pm

I have many fond memories of Duane from as far back as the days when his daughter Mary Jo was a 7th student of mine. He was a loving, caring father and a strong supporter of education for the Waverly community. I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. There are “No Forever Good-byes.” Everyone he loved will be reunited together in Heaven someday.

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Carl Latona
June 6, 2023 at 9:54 am

Duane was a kind, generous, enthusiastic supporter of Highfields mission, especially advocating for the growth and well-being of the youth in its care. His kindness knew no bounds. I learned much from him.

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George and Marilyn Nugent
June 6, 2023 at 2:34 pm

Dear Judy and the Vernon children,
We have known Duane some 60 years, as a neighbor, a business associate and friend, as he was to many in the community. No one could ask for a better friend than Duane……kind, gentle and full of energy, particularly for MSU and the Greater Lansing community.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We will miss seeing he and Judy at Coral Gables and the MSU basketball games.
George and Marilyn Nugent

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Brian Philson
June 6, 2023 at 10:01 pm

Duane was an amazing man who was such a positive force for those around him. His eternal optimism was an example of which we should all take note…and his heart and passion for Highfields’ mission was always such an encouragement to me and our staff.

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David Akerly
June 7, 2023 at 8:24 am

Duane was simply a prince among men and no one ever will be a better representative for his beloved MSU. Kind, caring and generous with his time for so many worthy charities. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Somewhere there is a heavenly parade happening right now. Duane is organizing and leading it!

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Bob Miller
June 7, 2023 at 8:52 am

Duane always brought a smile to your face when you saw him. He was Mr. MSU and also Mr. Positive. Happy and gregarious, you always felt better after talking to him. He will be missed. He was a good man.

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David DeMarco
June 7, 2023 at 12:36 pm

I want everyone to know Duane was a special man in my life. I knew him long before I was on the radio. I’m saddened by his death and wish I was still in Lansing to speak with his family . I enjoyed so many tailgate shows with him and the fellas. Always getting laughs. He will go down in my books as one of the greatest MSU fan’s and supporters ever. Our condolences from my wife Carole & I. Duane was just a solid cat! RIP my friend.

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Mary Hamlin Hoxworth
June 11, 2023 at 3:57 pm

When Duane and Virginia returned to Lansing from Virginia, they moved in next door to us and began grooming me to babysit in anticipation of Rick’s birth. Before they moved away, all three children were born and I was practically an expert. They were the best neighbors imaginable, and Duane was the unofficial videographer at my wedding. They made sure MSU was my first choice for college and acted as a big brother and sister to me. My deepest sympathy to Judy, Rick, Nancy, Mary Jo, and the entire family – you are in my prayers.

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Dr Thomas Moore
June 16, 2023 at 11:34 am

Condolences to Judy and the entire family from Duane’s friends at L O Eye Care. Duane was always a cheerful presence in our office and a good friend outside of our professional careers.

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Marie (Tinning) Ebeling
August 1, 2023 at 9:41 am

I recently came across a Christmas Photo Card in my parents things from 1978 with Duane and his children. I wondered how he was so I looked up his name and found out that he had passed away earlier this year. I was saddened to learn of his passing. I remember our family (The Dr. Fred C. Tinning “Doc” Family) attending a NCAA basketball championship watch party at his home in 1979 when MSU beat Indiana State. He was always so kind to me and our family. I was blessed to be able to see him several years ago at Breslin. Fond memories! Go green!
Love & prayers to his entire family-

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Vickie Hoshield
August 10, 2023 at 8:17 pm

He has been a part of our family since the day he was born. He was a great man and will be very much missed.

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