Vernon Eugene Gove Jr.  69, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, at Elkhart General Hospital.  In his final hours, he received his last rights while surrounded by loved ones.

Vernon was born on May 11th, 1954, in Elkhart, IN to Vernon Eugene Gove Sr and Helen Colosimo Gove.  He would remain in Elkhart to attain his education at St. Vincent De Paul and Marion High School.

In the 38 years that Vernon was employed by Conrail, we became accustomed to nightly visits to the yard, hoisting lunch up to him in the tower and mink oiling his boots before a night of work.

In 1994, he married Jeanne Knudson Gove who survives along with children, Kristy (Laramy) Jacobs, Kary (Austin) Howell, Vernon Gove III and Seth Gove.  Grandchildren, Chaicee (Blake) Parsons, Zackri Jacobs, Natayla Jacobs, Doss Jacobs, Keaton Shepard and Eli Ruemler-Gove.

Preceding Vernon in death were his parents, Vernon Eugene Gove Sr and Helen Colosimo Gove; his sister, Jacquelyn Yoder; his Brother Douglas Thompson and Sons, Vincent and Eli Gove.

Our Father, AKA "The Wheelie King of Frances St." was a man that could live on Mother Grass Soup, Pepsi and Marlboros.   He had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor that was funny to some, and not so funny to others.   Scary movies and trips to purgatory at night to see how much he could frighten us as kids were one of his favorite past times. He loved anything to do with The Bears, The Cubbies, and Notre Dame, which made it easy when it came time for gift giving.  Afraid to fly on a plane, he spent most of his time watching ball games, working in his beautiful yard, bird watching, harassing the chipmunks and enjoying his fishpond.

Being a fan of many music genres' big, loud, home speakers were a must.  He also loved movies and TV shows of all kinds.  JR was always one for a competitive card game at family get togethers, loved the outdoors, the idea of camping, had a flashlight obsession and loved sharing stories of childhood memories made with his "Frances St. Gang".  He was not always the easiest to get along with…but he was our Dad.  We will miss you JR……say hi to Mom for us!

Wishes for cremation will be honored and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.  Please contact the family for more information.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

For those that wish to send a condolence or share a memory may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.