Vernon G. Housewright

Vernon G. Housewright Age: 77 years A resident of Carbondale, IL and a former resident of Johnson Co. IL. Passed away Friday, November 14, 2008, at 12:10 PM at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL. Vernon was born April 30, 1931 in Karnak, Illinois. He was the son of Charlie Housewright and Clara (Campbell) Housewright. Vernon was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean (Smith) on May 17, 1952 in Karnak, Illinois. She preceded him in death on September 1, 1994. Survivors include: 2 Sons - Steven & Jeannie Housewright of Vienna, IL and Bradley & Debbie Housewright of Goreville, IL 4 Grandchildren - Christy & Reed Morris, Mallory Housewright,Breanna Housewright and Max & Anissa Falmier 2 Great Grandchildren - Brooks & Rawley Falmier a Granddaughter-in-Law - Kerri Falmier Nieces & Nephews In addition to his Parents & Wife, Vernon was preceded in death by: a Grandson - Ryan Falmier; 3 Brothers - Delbert Housewright, LuDean Housewright, & Charles Housewright; 2 Sisters - Pauline Benko & Mary Adeline Wilson Vernon was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean war era. He was a life member of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post in Vienna. Vernon earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona at Tucson. He was also an honorary professor in Public Administration at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Vernon served as Assistant Warden of the Vienna Correctional Center from 1965-1968 and as Warden from 1968-1979. Vernon was honored during his tenure for opening and administering V.C.C. as the first correctional institution in the United States to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections. From 1979 - 1981, Vernon served as the Director of Corrections for the State of Arkansas. Vernon received a Certificate of Recognition as an Outstanding Citizen of the State of Arkansas in 1980 from then Governor Bill Clinton. He served as an administrator of the training academy for the National Institute of Corrections in Boulder, CO from 1981-1982. Vernon then served as Director of the Nevada Dept. of Prisons from 1982-1985. Vernon was honored with a Senate resolution recognizing his contributions to correctional administration from the Nevada State Senate in 1985. From 1985-1990, Vernon worked in private consulting. He then accepted a position with Wexford Health Sources in 1991. At the time of his passing, Vernon was serving as a Senior Vice President of Marketing with Wexford Health Sources. Vernon was a life member of the American Correctional Association, serving as treasurer from 1978-1980. Additionally, he was a member of the American Association of Wardens & Superintendents, serving as President from 1974-1975. In 1979, Vernon was honored as the first recipient of the Vernon G. Housewright award by the Illinois Correctional Association, presented for leadership and dedication to community service. Vernon was further honored by receiving the distinguished E.R. Cass Correctional Achievement award by the American Correctional Association. He was a member of the Illinois Sheriff's Association and was designated a Colonel by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Vernon was of the Methodist faith. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, & golfing. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning, November 18, 2008, at 11 AM at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. Rev. Larry Gilbert will officiate. Burial will be in the Cypress Masonic Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post of Vienna. Friends may call from 5-9 PM Monday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. The family will also receive friends from 10 AM - 11 AM Tuesday at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Vernon G. Housewright Memorial (a fund established to assist the families of critically ill children), c/o Southern Trust Bank, PO Box 215, Vienna, IL 62995.

Vernon G. Housewright

April 30, 1931 - November 14, 2008