Michael Derek Vernon

Michael D. Vernon, 71, of Loxahatchee, FL passed away on Friday September 22, 2017. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Elke Vernon, his sons, Paul Vernon and wife Natasha, Andrew Vernon, Patrick Vernon and Mark Vernon, his siblings Ann Hunt with husband Denny, Sue Durrance with husband Terry, and Brian Vernon, as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends in England, Germany, the Bahamas and America. Mike was born in Northamptonshire, England in October 1945 as the oldest of 4 children. His family moved to Liverpool where he began his career as a 2nd engineer and travelled the world on ships of the British Merchant Navy. He married his first wife Linda and moved to Freeport, Bahamas, where his two oldest sons were born. After the family separated he moved to Florida and began working for a civil engineering company. He married again and had two more sons with his wife Elke. Mike loved doing projects and could build or fix anything around the house, often noting that he had just completed 'another brilliant piece of engineering'. He was also very adept and up to date with the newest technology, could figure out any computer program and took pleasure in solving any problem presented to him. His recently rediscovered passion for traveling and visiting relatives and friends in the States, England and Europe gave him tremendous satisfaction. He is loved and will be dearly missed by many. A celebration of his life will take place at the Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach on September 29, 2017 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with a service beginning at 5:30 pm. All are welcome to bring their memories of Mike to be written in a book or shared with everyone at the service. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice in Mike's name. Some suggestions include: Big Dog Rescue Ranch or other animal shelter, the Red Cross hurricane relief fund, Autism Speaks or other local organization in support of children with disabilities.