Vern D. Pollock

Vern Doyle Pollock, born January 1, 1937 ascended to heaven on July 7, 2017. Vern was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to everyone he met. Raised in Desoto Missouri by his special aunt Bessie Stroup, growing up he was an accomplished athlete in football, basketball and track. Upon graduation from Desoto High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy. While stationed overseas, Vern became the youngest  Navy serviceman to play quarterback in The Japan Bowl. After his dedicated service, He attended the University of Minnesota before earning his BS and MS degrees from Sothern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Following graduation from SIU, Vern began his teaching and coaching career at Carbondale High School. During his tenure at Carbondale Vern achieved many milestones but none more significant than the establishment of the playoff system for high school football in Illinois. Following a brief stint in Massac County, Vern ended his storied career at Eldorado High School. Vern excelled all his life as an athlete, coach and mentor. The culmination of his achievements was induction into the First Class of the Desoto High School Distinguished Graduates Hall of Fame, Southern Illinois Football Coaches Hall of Fame, Carbondale Community High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and  Illinois High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Vern dedicated his life to serving as a mentor for the youth he was entrusted with developing. His passion was working with and being a role model for children. He took this role very seriously and strived to make a difference for every child he met. In Vern’s eyes, his greatest achievement is the family that survives him. His wife Jean Pollock, son Dan (Monta) Pollock, daughter Stacie Masters (Kevin) and the loves of his life, his grandchildren Cody Pollock, Peyton Pollock, Brodie Pollock, Brett Pollock, Emma Masters and Elana Masters. For the last 15 years Vern felt very blessed to have 2 stepdaughters Sharlotte Gunn and Stephanie Morris and four additional grandchildren Darrick Milligan, Rachel Milligan, Jakeb Carter and Malia Gunn to love and support. Vern also leaves behind his beloved sisters Barbara Bunzel, Joann Malone, Glenda Garner and a brother Michael Gray. Vern was preceded in death by his parents Story Pollock and Grace Walker, beloved Aunt Bessie Stroup, brothers Ralph Pollock, Karl (Butch) Thieret and Kenneth Thieret and his wife of 41 years Helen Pollock. Vern’s presence was felt throughout every school he worked at, every game, meet or competition he coached and every event he attended. He filled every room with laughter, and a spirit and lust for life that cannot be duplicated or forgotten. In his time on earth he touched and was instrumental in changing the course of many lives. His memory will live on through those who he loved and those who loved him and his legacy is unending. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital and will be accepted at the high school and the church. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at the Eldorado First Baptist Church with Rev. Roger Lipe and Rev. Aaron Phelps officiating.  Visitation is 3-7 pm Tuesday at the Eldorado High School Commons.  Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com

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