Vernon Richard Tunnell, Sr., 81, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Friday, May 3, at a care home in Vancouver, Washington. He was born July 24, 1937 in Vernonia, Oregon, the son of Richard L. and Hattie E. (Warner) Tunnell.

He married Fay Clark in November 1959. They had five children and were foster parents to many children.

Vernon retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. He worked at the United States Post Office and local sawmills. He was a member of Elm Street Baptist Church and was a CASA volunteer for 12 years.

He is survived by his wife, Fay Tunnell; children Vernon Tunnell, Jr., and wife Linda, Amy Potter, Brenda Tunnell, Michael Tunnell and wife Michelle, William McKee Tunnell, and Debra Meston and husband Robert; foster-son Erin O’Connor and wife Erika; 14 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and step-father, Gerald Andrews, and grandson, David Tunnell.

A graveside service with military honors will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, at Gilliland Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Vernon’s name can be made to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers of Linn County.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.