Vernon Harrison Romans was born July 14, 1937 near Aberdeen, Indiana to Arthur and Nellie Romans. He passed away on August 22, 2020 at his home in Pelion, South Carolina with his family by his side. He was 83 years old. Vernon was the fifth of 7 children. The family moved to Patriot, Indiana when Vernon was a freshman in high School. During high school Vernon participated in all sports and received an All-Sports Award at graduation. After graduating from Patriot High school in 1955, he attended Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana for one year. After that, he worked in Aurora. He married Joyce Hatton December 7, 1957 and they resided in Aurora for a few years until they bought a house in Bright, Indiana. Their first son, Gregory Vernon Romans was born December 9, 1958. Unfortunately, they lost their son to a tragic accident when he was one year old. Somehow, life went on and on November 29, 1960 a son, Brian Eric Romans was born, and another son Steven Eliot Romans was born March 4, 1962. Later, the family moved to Lexington, Kentucky where Vernon worked for Westinghouse Air Brake Company. On March 3, 1968 the family had paid a visit to relatives in Indiana and were on their way back to Lexington when tragedy struck again. They were in a serious car accident on US 50 east of Lawrenceburg where Joyce was very seriously hurt. Steve had some serious injuries, but unfortunately Brian was killed. After moving back to Indiana, their daughter Jennifer was born December 8, 1970. Shortly thereafter Vernon was able to take a job in South Carolina with the Hobart/ Whirlpool Corporation from 1972-1992. After retiring, he worked in Water/Wastewater Managing for the Town of Pelion where they still live. Vernon loved his community and was involved in many civic activities.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Hatton Romans; son, Steven Romans, (Michele), and granddaughter Amy; daughter, Jennifer Romans Padgett, (Steve) and 2 grandsons, Kyle and Cooper Crews; step-grandchildren, Nicholas Padgett, Zachary Padgett, Keith Padgett, Alex Padgett, and Victoria Padgett McNure (Eric), step-great grandchild, Jordan. He also leaves behind 2 sisters, Virginia Kelly of Rising Sun, IN and Janice Meadors (Tom) of Patriot, IN; sisters-in-law, Jerrie Shields (Vince) of Madison, IN, Deanna Christman (Lloyd) of Canaan, IN, and brother-in-law, Kippy Hatton (Pam) of Florence, IN. He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces.
Vernon was preceded in death by 2 sons, Gregory and Brian Romans; his parents, Arthur and Nellie Romans; 2 brothers, Claude Romans and Harold Romans; two sisters, Naomi Romans Endres and Patricia Romans Hunefeld.
If you would like to donate in memory of Vernon, you may donate to the following: MADD of South Carolina, 421 Mission Court, Irmo, South Carolina 29063 or Compassionate Care Hospice, 100 Ashland Park Lane Suite B, Columbia, South Carolina 29210.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Vernon’s home state of Indiana. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family.