Paulis “Vern” Fought, age 90 left us peacefully on Sept. 23, 2021. His final words gave his family some peace as they were “Thank you, I can rest comfortably now.”
Vern was born on March 31, 1931, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas to Earl and Minnie Fought. At a young age, Vern’s family moved to Exeter, California where he graduated from Exeter High School in 1949. Vern was drafted into the Army and was stationed in France during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Dixie Fought on Jan. 19, 1952.
Vern was a dedicated husband, father of six, grandfather of 19, great grandfather of 37 and just became a great, great grandfather this year. He is survived by his children, son Larry and wife Linda from Morganfield, Ky. along with five children and six grandchildren, daughter, Nancy Veteto and husband Mark from Visalia, Calif. along with two children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild, daughter Denise Palmer and husband Bill from Visalia, Calif., three children and two grandchildren, son Scott from Exeter, Calif., two children and four grandchildren, daughter Melissa Glick from Visalia, Calif., children, seven grandchildren and daughter Lori Blue and husband Vahnn from Lindsay, Calif. four children, 11 grandchildren and two on the way. Vern has one surviving sister Mary Lee Lawler from Montana.
Vern and Dixie had been married two weeks short of their 61st wedding anniversary in which he was very proud of and shared with everyone. Dixie passed on Jan. 2, 2013. His family finds peace knowing they are together once again.
The kids remember his first job being a Knudsen “milkman” and later in the 1960s purchased a Chevron gas station in Lindsay. He later opened Wind Machine Sales & Service and was known as “the Wind Machine Man.” Vern was a member of the Exeter Church of Christ and rarely missed a Sunday. He loved his church family. He was also known for his restoration of old tractors and was a member of the South Valley Farm Antiques Branch 209 E.D.G.E.T.A.
Vern loved spending time with his family, hunting with his friends, traveling, RVing with wife and family, and reading.
A casual celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the home of Darcee and Eric Collier, 19735 Ave 232, Lindsay, Calif.. Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Online condolences may be sent to smithfamilychapel.com.
