Vernon R. Palm

Vernon R. Palm, 91, of Quakertown passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital-Upper Bucks Campus.

Vernon was born to the late Vernon and Marie (Spacil) Palm on November 23, 1932, in Quakertown. A 1950 graduate of Quakertown High School, he served in the U.S. Army and after separation had a lengthy career as a phone service technician with Bell Telephone. He was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.

In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by a son, Vernon Palm Jr., and his sister, Eleanor Roberts. He is survived by his wife Joan L. (Kulp) Palm; sons Gregory B. Palm (Florina) and Bradley J. Palm (Tricia); four grandchildren, Bradley Palm, Katie (Palm) Boyd, Andrew Palm and Eric Neagu; as well as five great-grandchildren.

Vernon’s military service and long-term commitment to his job were indicative of his strong character and values. He was fiercely loyal to his nation, family and friends. Industrious and hard-working, he believed that one has a responsibility to provide for and protect loved ones. He therefore never shied away from work, even during retirement, and up to the day of his passing was tending his garden.

It was in his garden that he found fulfillment, contentment and purpose. Vernon had respect for and a connection to the land. After putting in a full shift on his “regular” job, Vernon spent afternoons, evenings and weekends working on his farm. On the surface Vernon seemed stoic, strict and determined. Inside was a caring, loving and gentle soul – and it was evident in how he cared for the animals he raised and the connection he had to nature. His innate skills at working the land made him a successful and passionate organic farmer, which provided benefits to his family.

Vernon’s gentle nature was especially evident in his relationship with his grandchildren. Playing in the pool, teaching them to ride the array of minibikes he had for them, or providing instructions on how to drive a Volvo station wagon around a pasture, Vernon took great joy in his grandchildren.

Vernon also found time for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. He was an avid football fan, in particular backing the Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State Nittany Lions.

Nothing speaks more to Vernon’s sense of dedication than the 68 years he and Joan shared. Rarely apart, they were deeply devoted to each other and family. Over nearly seven decades they built a fulfilling life together, raising a family, nurturing crops and livestock, acquiring land they shared with their children. They’d leave their comfortable homestead now and then for family gatherings – weddings, graduations, holidays. But time away was not for lengthy stays – except for their winter retreats to Florida. It could be challenging to pull Vernon away from his work, his farm, his home. But he relished these stays in the Sunshine State with Joan.

A visitation will be held at the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 821 West Broad Street, Quakertown, on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until the time of the service, in the funeral home, at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Vernon's memory, to the St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie, PA 18944