Vernon John Pendergraft

Vernon John Pendergraft passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021, at his home in Bend, Oregon. He was born July 6, 1935, to Carl and Genuia Pendergraft in Rocky Ford, Colorado, at his maternal grandparent's home.

Vern started school in Boulder, Colorado, where his father was working on the construction of Hoover Dam on Lake Mead. His mother would drive him to a little country school and Vern would cut cross country on foot and beat her home.

The family moved to Madras in 1946, where his father both farmed and worked as a mechanic at Conroy's Garage. Vernon attended and graduated from Madras High School in 1954. He joined the Army after graduation and served two years active duty and was in the reserves through 1964.

In 1957, Vern met his future wife, Judy Goss, in Redmond, Oregon, and they were married September 16, 1957, in Goldendale, Washington. They had two sons, Mark and Carl (Kip) Pendergraft.

Vern worked at Conroy's Garage in the 1960s and early 70s. Vern started working in the timber industry at Warm Springs Lumber Company driving a logging truck in 1958. After a pause to farm in Washington, Vern bought his own logging truck and worked throughout Central Oregon for several years. Vern then partnered with friend, Larry Fivecoat, falling timber until he retired.

Vern was very handy and built the two homes in Madras where he raised his family for 63 years. Vernon and Judy sold their home and moved to Bend, Oregon, in 2020.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Mark (Sheri), Carl Kip); grandson, Matt; and sister, Helen Pendergraft.

Vernon was preceded in death by his father, Carl; mother, Genuia; and sister, Virginia Barclay.

Vern was loved and will be missed by his family and friends.

A graveside service will be held this coming spring at Mount Jefferson Memorial Park Cemetery.

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