Vernon Charles Rafferty, 89, entered the presence of the Almighty Father on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Vern was born on October 2, 1935, in Cromwell, KY, to Rayburn and Claribel Rafferty. Some years later, he settled in Wooster, OH, where he had a successful career at Timken Steel spanning over four decades. Vernon was blessed with a full and active life, which included participating in a local softball league, serving as a member of the Wooster volunteer fire department, then in his later years, greeting and ushering at his local church, Westhill Baptist. Throughout life, Vern loved baseball, fishing, camping, traveling, and spending time with his friends and family. After retiring from his job at Timken Vern found great enjoyment working for the Cleveland Indians for 16 years during their spring training. Vernon will be remembered for his big smile and his greater laugh. His spirit will live on in the notes of the music he loved and shared in life. Vernon’s kindness, gentle spirit, and quick-witted remarks will be missed by all who knew him.
Vernon is preceded in death by his previous wife, Lillian Marie Rafferty, with whom he shared nearly 40 years of memories, laughter, and joy. His brother, Fred Rafferty, and his parents, Rayburn and Claribel Rafferty.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Phylis Rafferty, of nearly 19 years, who shared a life of cherished moments, companionship, and comfort. Sisters, Zoralene McMillen, Nancy Burnworth, and Betty (George) Wood, all of Elizabethtown, KY
Vernon leaves behind his children, Vickie Evans of Sterling, OH, Michael (Lisa) Rafferty of Ashland, OH, and Rick (MaLissa) Rafferty of Rogers City, MI. Debbie Pouk of Wooster, OH, Beth (Ronald) Winebrenne of Shreve, OH, Tony (Michelle) Howman of Massillon, OH.
Vernon leaves a further legacy of love in his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jason Jordan, Amanda (Todd) Terakedis, Morgan Thomas, McKenna (Joel) Vanderzyden, Brenna Rafferty, Sean Rafferty, Alicia (Shaun) Harris, Krista (Brian Blackburn) Winebrenner, Nathaniel Howman, Ashless Howman, Hayden Howman, Tony (Michele) Howman, Sidney Hedger, Chase Hedger, Hudson Hedger, Andrew Thomas, Jack Thomas, Blake Terakedis, Raegan Terakedis, Rafferty Michael Vanderzyden, Bryson Blackburn, Gyver Blackburn, Riley Howman.
Private family services were held.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster assisted the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com\
I will forever miss his “hey” when I walk in. He was a wonderful man. Prayers to Mike and the rest of his family. He will be missed.
Rick,
It’s great that you had a well shared relationship with your Dad! May he rest in eternal peace.
PS: What your wife wrote about Vern that I saw in FB was beautiful and moving….
Wreck, the last time I seen your father was at the nursing home. One of my best friends is there and we had a birthday party for and your father was out in the hall and walked in and sat down beside her and we fed him sandwiches and potato salad and drinks and cake and enjoyed his visit with us. And it was truly an enjoyable time. I was sorry to see that your dad had passed away. May you find comfort in the menu. Many memories you have of him.God bless you